SEA-JFK upgrade rates as a gold on a Saturday?
Jul 24, 2017, 12:05 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,433
SEA-JFK upgrade rates as a gold on a Saturday?
Is there a chance this will upgrade as a gold at 10AM on a Saturday on an award ticket?
Or should I not bother even trying?
I can go SEA->JFK->Europe
Or I can go SEA->Europe->Intra-europe.
The second one gets there 1-2 hours quicker, but I obviously have no chance of an upgrade going that route.
Or should I not bother even trying?
I can go SEA->JFK->Europe
Or I can go SEA->Europe->Intra-europe.
The second one gets there 1-2 hours quicker, but I obviously have no chance of an upgrade going that route.
Jul 24, 2017, 12:15 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 85
Just a guess but I think you'd have a pretty good shot with that many seats, even on an award ticket
SEA-JFK or vice versa is a common route for folks to use RUC's on especially with lie flats on the 757-200
Jul 24, 2017, 12:16 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
It's certainly possible, although working against you is the fact that the 10AM is timed to take connections from several TPAC redeyes. Flights with lie-flats also tend to see higher percentages of paid F/J.
I would say that you shouldn't get your hopes up, but anything can happen on a Saturday.
I would say that you shouldn't get your hopes up, but anything can happen on a Saturday.
Jul 24, 2017, 12:26 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
I generally prefer connecting in the US on the outbound portion for exactly the reasons above, but prefer EU on the return. That way I can avoid the hassle of baggage recheck and security re-screen in the US.
Jul 24, 2017, 12:29 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SEA, NYC
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 645
Used to fly SEA-JFK monthly as GM, now only sporadically as a PM. UG was very rare as GM, even on the weekends. I would put <50% chance, even with the large J cabin. This far out you are likely to see that cabin fill up. I have trouble on this route as PM, I often use RUC to increase chances, and even then sometimes the RUC doesn't clear. That's just my 2 cents.
Jul 24, 2017, 12:31 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,433
Used to fly SEA-JFK monthly as GM, now only sporadically as a PM. UG was very rare as GM, even on the weekends. I would put <50% chance, even with the large J cabin. This far out you are likely to see that cabin fill up. I have trouble on this route as PM, I often use RUC to increase chances, and even then sometimes the RUC doesn't clear. That's just my 2 cents.
Jul 24, 2017, 12:42 pm
#10
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,885
I would not count on the upgrade. I had an FCM of <$250 OW w/ lie flats on that route, and people pull the trigger with it being a 6.5 hour flight. With your flight being so far away, the cabin will fill up and there are plenty of DM/PM that will be ahead of you, even on a Saturday. Assume you will be in Y and book based on equipment. If JFK-EU is 767, book the flight through JFK. If its a 757, I would say you will be more comfortable on the SEA-EU flight which will likely be 767 or 330.
Jul 24, 2017, 12:44 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA (the REAL Washington); occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: DL PM 1.57MM; AS MVPG 100K
Posts: 21,371
echoing much of the above ... for a 4-1/2 hour daytime flight, book a good C+ seat and be pleasantly surprised if the UG clears
but also watch VERY closely for schedule changes: even this close to an Oct travel date, DL could still swap to a 26J 763 or (imo more likely) a 757
but also watch VERY closely for schedule changes: even this close to an Oct travel date, DL could still swap to a 26J 763 or (imo more likely) a 757
Jul 24, 2017, 12:55 pm
#12
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: Previously top-tier everything, now a happy free agent
Posts: 1,003
I've flown SEA-JFK a few times on a Sunday (albeit Sunday is a vastly different story than Saturday) on a 76W.... And I've always had to use an RUC and never have cleared prior to boarding.
Last time I did it I was #2 (as a DM with RUC on an S fare) for 1 seat, and then 1 no-show got me my 9B seat.
Last time I did it I was #2 (as a DM with RUC on an S fare) for 1 seat, and then 1 no-show got me my 9B seat.
Jul 24, 2017, 3:20 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
It's also apparently timed to allow connections TO several TATL flights. @:-) That said, Saturday is actually the busiest day for US<->Asia business travel, but relatively light for US<->Europe.
Jul 24, 2017, 3:50 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
SEA-JFK-EU sounds extremely unpleasant, but if people are choosing that connection, more power to them.
Jul 24, 2017, 4:20 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MSP
Programs: Delta PM, 1MM
Posts: 3,784
I don't fly intra-EU as much as many on this forum, so others may report otherwise.