2018 Upgrade Success (Or Lack Thereof)
Mar 27, 2018, 4:53 pm
#151
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Katy, TX
Programs: AA - PLT(2MM); DL - PM(2MM); Hilton - Gold; Marriott Bonvoy- Titanium; Hyatt - Platinum
Posts: 1,718
FLL-ATL, Fri., 3/23, on a companion fare. Checked at FLL SkyClub 0.5hr. prior to departure and was told I was #2 for 0 seats. Get to gate, ask if first has boarded full, and get a boarding pass for the upgrade!
Mar 27, 2018, 6:30 pm
#152
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MEM
Programs: Starbucks Green Card
Posts: 5,431
MEM-ATL Monday afternoon, MD88, DM on H fare, I was 2 of 40 for 1 seat. I boarded last and asked the GA if there were any no shows, she said they would come get me (which I found weird since they were ready to close the door), scanned my BP and the upgrade for 1B popped out.
After I took my seat, the other gate agent came on board with a 1B boarding pass for me, saw me sitting there and did a double take.
This flight was delayed about 30 minutes due to a late inbound FWIW.
After I took my seat, the other gate agent came on board with a 1B boarding pass for me, saw me sitting there and did a double take.
This flight was delayed about 30 minutes due to a late inbound FWIW.
Mar 27, 2018, 9:20 pm
#154
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Last week:
RDU - ATL - LAS - ATL - RDU
RDU - ATL cleared at gate as #6 of 6 that cleared.
Ended up ~35 on the ATL - RDU return and ~70 on the ATL/LAS legs. Fortunately had exit row aisle seats on 757s in both directions so no big deal.
Today:
FO, H fare booked 11 hours before outbound (and 25 before return), corporate
RDU - LGA, #1 on list with 0 seats remaining for F, C+ cleared at booking. Actually glad it went that way. Had all of row 4 to myself on the E170 which is better than sitting next to someone in F.
JFK - RDU, F upgrade cleared at booking. Flight went out with 4 empty seats in F and no one on upgrade list
Continues my perfect streak to/from NYC this year (C+/F everytime probably 20/80 split)
RDU - ATL - LAS - ATL - RDU
RDU - ATL cleared at gate as #6 of 6 that cleared.
Ended up ~35 on the ATL - RDU return and ~70 on the ATL/LAS legs. Fortunately had exit row aisle seats on 757s in both directions so no big deal.
Today:
FO, H fare booked 11 hours before outbound (and 25 before return), corporate
RDU - LGA, #1 on list with 0 seats remaining for F, C+ cleared at booking. Actually glad it went that way. Had all of row 4 to myself on the E170 which is better than sitting next to someone in F.
JFK - RDU, F upgrade cleared at booking. Flight went out with 4 empty seats in F and no one on upgrade list
Continues my perfect streak to/from NYC this year (C+/F everytime probably 20/80 split)
Mar 27, 2018, 9:35 pm
#155
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 18,931
MEM-ATL Monday afternoon, MD88, DM on H fare, I was 2 of 40 for 1 seat. I boarded last and asked the GA if there were any no shows, she said they would come get me (which I found weird since they were ready to close the door), scanned my BP and the upgrade for 1B popped out.
After I took my seat, the other gate agent came on board with a 1B boarding pass for me, saw me sitting there and did a double take.
This flight was delayed about 30 minutes due to a late inbound FWIW.
After I took my seat, the other gate agent came on board with a 1B boarding pass for me, saw me sitting there and did a double take.
This flight was delayed about 30 minutes due to a late inbound FWIW.
Mar 31, 2018, 1:22 pm
#156
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MKE
Programs: DL 2 MM
Posts: 905
I can't complain too much so far this year
YTD have had 35 segments (including flights this upcoming week where I've hit the window).
- 17 have cleared at the window
- 5 cleared w/ RUCs
- 5 FCM
- 5 cleared at gate
- 1 was on HA so not eligible
- 1 flight went out with an empty and I was #1 on the list (flight was very delayed due to inbound, so had to turn fast. No excuse but I think that's the reason)
- 1 where I think it was sheena. Wife and I #1 and #2 for 4 seats. 30 minutes prior to departure a family of four went from standby list to those 4 seats. It was only DTW-MKE, so no big deal but seems fishy to me.
7 segments were vacation, the other 28 work flights. Typically don't fly for work on Monday or Friday, so that likely helps. Plus flying mostly short hops east of the Mississippi.
So, overall really can't complain. Have avoided the CR-200s so far this year
- 17 have cleared at the window
- 5 cleared w/ RUCs
- 5 FCM
- 5 cleared at gate
- 1 was on HA so not eligible
- 1 flight went out with an empty and I was #1 on the list (flight was very delayed due to inbound, so had to turn fast. No excuse but I think that's the reason)
- 1 where I think it was sheena. Wife and I #1 and #2 for 4 seats. 30 minutes prior to departure a family of four went from standby list to those 4 seats. It was only DTW-MKE, so no big deal but seems fishy to me.
7 segments were vacation, the other 28 work flights. Typically don't fly for work on Monday or Friday, so that likely helps. Plus flying mostly short hops east of the Mississippi.
So, overall really can't complain. Have avoided the CR-200s so far this year
Apr 1, 2018, 7:27 am
#157
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: DL DM PM
Posts: 2,034
DCA - SLC #1/thirty-odd for 0 - rode in back (UG to C+)
SLC - ATL #2/forty-odd for 0 - rode in back (UG to C+)
I think this is my bi-directional first strike-out ever as DM (been DM since it began apart from PM following one low year)
SLC - ATL #2/forty-odd for 0 - rode in back (UG to C+)
I think this is my bi-directional first strike-out ever as DM (been DM since it began apart from PM following one low year)
Apr 1, 2018, 9:53 am
#158
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
YYZ-SLC C+, at checkin
SLC-SEA C+, T-30
SEA-MSP F (redeye), at checkin
MSP-YYZ C+, at checkin
YYZ-MSP C+, at checkin
MSP-SEA C+, at checkin
C+ 5/6
F 1/6
SLC-SEA C+, T-30
SEA-MSP F (redeye), at checkin
MSP-YYZ C+, at checkin
YYZ-MSP C+, at checkin
MSP-SEA C+, at checkin
C+ 5/6
F 1/6
Apr 1, 2018, 9:56 am
#159
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
As FO:
1/26: DL 782 RDU-DTW 717-200 X Fare: 19 and 20 out of 28 for F, 2 and 3 of 3 for C+
1/29: DL 4051 JFK-RDU CRJ-900 X Fare: 1 and 2 out of 6 for F. Annoyingly there was an empty seat in F but the F/A refused to move me up because "only the gate agent can"
As GM:
2/3: DL 3623 RDU-LGA CRJ-900 X Fare: 1 and 2 out of 6 for F.
2/10: DL 3623 RDU-LGA CRJ-900 X Fare: Cleared with Companion at T-72.
2/22 DL 5484 RDU-EWR CRJ-700 X Fare: Cleared at T-72
2/25 DL 1606 LAS-ATL A-321 T Fare: #10 of 17, C+ at T-72
2/26 DL 2351 ATL-RDU MD-88 T Fare: #38 of 64, 21 of 35 for C+
3/30 DL 2773 RDU-DTW MD-90 T Fare: Cleared at Window
3/30 DL 6201 DTW-YYZ CRJ-900 T Fare: Cleared at Window
3/31 DL 2551 YYZ-ATL 717-200 V Fare: Cleared at Gate
3/31 DL 1177 ATL-RDU MD-88 V Fare: Cleared at Gate
Nice to go 4/4 on a trip. Currently 54.55% (6/11)
1/26: DL 782 RDU-DTW 717-200 X Fare: 19 and 20 out of 28 for F, 2 and 3 of 3 for C+
1/29: DL 4051 JFK-RDU CRJ-900 X Fare: 1 and 2 out of 6 for F. Annoyingly there was an empty seat in F but the F/A refused to move me up because "only the gate agent can"
As GM:
2/3: DL 3623 RDU-LGA CRJ-900 X Fare: 1 and 2 out of 6 for F.
2/10: DL 3623 RDU-LGA CRJ-900 X Fare: Cleared with Companion at T-72.
2/22 DL 5484 RDU-EWR CRJ-700 X Fare: Cleared at T-72
2/25 DL 1606 LAS-ATL A-321 T Fare: #10 of 17, C+ at T-72
2/26 DL 2351 ATL-RDU MD-88 T Fare: #38 of 64, 21 of 35 for C+
3/30 DL 2773 RDU-DTW MD-90 T Fare: Cleared at Window
3/30 DL 6201 DTW-YYZ CRJ-900 T Fare: Cleared at Window
3/31 DL 2551 YYZ-ATL 717-200 V Fare: Cleared at Gate
3/31 DL 1177 ATL-RDU MD-88 V Fare: Cleared at Gate
Nice to go 4/4 on a trip. Currently 54.55% (6/11)
Apr 1, 2018, 11:46 am
#160
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
I’m about 75% this year as a DM with about 70 flights in. It’s been my worst year for UG’s. Look forward to next Feb when we’ll find out how many folks met MQD requirements for DM via Amex.
Apr 2, 2018, 9:24 am
#161
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Madison, WI (MSN)
Programs: Delta Platinum, Hilton & Marriott Plastic Gold, Chick-fil-A Signature
Posts: 441
Saturday 3/24 MSN-ATL: 3 seats available for sale at T-24, finished #2 for 1 at gate. Wife (GM) had $39 FCM offer for this flight at check-in. Boo.
Sunday 3/25 ATL-BON: Me + companion upgraded at DM window, wife (GM) upgraded 2 days out.
Sunday 4/1 BON-ATL: WFBF, first class sold out at least a month in advance, first class was cheaper than coach when I bought.
Sunday 4/1 ATL-MSN: Upgraded at gate, 4 seats available from DM window right up through the gate.
Sunday 3/25 ATL-BON: Me + companion upgraded at DM window, wife (GM) upgraded 2 days out.
Sunday 4/1 BON-ATL: WFBF, first class sold out at least a month in advance, first class was cheaper than coach when I bought.
Sunday 4/1 ATL-MSN: Upgraded at gate, 4 seats available from DM window right up through the gate.
Apr 3, 2018, 7:44 am
#162
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Sarasota, FL
Programs: DL Diamond , Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold, Avis Preferred Plus
Posts: 131
PM status
Wednesday
SRQ-ATL #4 for 2 seats
ATL-LAS #2 for 0 seats after wait listing RUC.
Monday
LAS-ATL #3 for 1 seat, another wait listed RUC. Ended up in 41C on the 753, which for being so far back wasnt bad with all of the leg room.
ATL-SRQ #6 for 2 seats.
0 for 4 on this trip, and even missed C+ booking 3 weeks out.
Good start to tomorrow trip with clearing ATL-BTR at the window on a 717.
Wednesday
SRQ-ATL #4 for 2 seats
ATL-LAS #2 for 0 seats after wait listing RUC.
Monday
LAS-ATL #3 for 1 seat, another wait listed RUC. Ended up in 41C on the 753, which for being so far back wasnt bad with all of the leg room.
ATL-SRQ #6 for 2 seats.
0 for 4 on this trip, and even missed C+ booking 3 weeks out.
Good start to tomorrow trip with clearing ATL-BTR at the window on a 717.
Apr 3, 2018, 10:20 am
#163
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 16
Reached silver for the first time last December. Had 5 legs so far with pretty good success!
Feb 11: SLC - DSM - Me + 1 person upgraded to C+
Mar 10: OMA - SLC - 1 person out of 2 upgraded to First at the gate
Mar 17: SLC - OMA - 1 person out of 2 upgraded to First at the gate
Mar 30: DSM - SLC - Me + 1 person upgraded to First at the gate. We were the last two on the list and still went out with one empty. This flight had all 12 seats open until T - 5 days
April 3: SLC - DSM - Me + 1 person upgraded to First at the window This flight also had an empty first cabin until T - 5. Less than 24 hours left and still 4 seats left and one person on the upgrade list.
Feb 11: SLC - DSM - Me + 1 person upgraded to C+
Mar 10: OMA - SLC - 1 person out of 2 upgraded to First at the gate
Mar 17: SLC - OMA - 1 person out of 2 upgraded to First at the gate
Mar 30: DSM - SLC - Me + 1 person upgraded to First at the gate. We were the last two on the list and still went out with one empty. This flight had all 12 seats open until T - 5 days
April 3: SLC - DSM - Me + 1 person upgraded to First at the window This flight also had an empty first cabin until T - 5. Less than 24 hours left and still 4 seats left and one person on the upgrade list.
Apr 3, 2018, 10:42 am
#164
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Skymiles
Posts: 58
Been wanting to ask for feedback on this.... feels like a very low success rate. Fly mainly out of MKE - all personal travel. Reached Platinum status late last year - and promptly went 0 out of 10 on F class upgrades (don't typically do C+ upgrades).
This year so far, I am 2 of 10 in F upgrades as a PM. So, 2-20 (10%) in the last 5 months or so.
Flying all days of the week (including Saturday) - doesn't seem to make a difference. I do all my travel with Delta, in hopes of getting upgrades mainly, and also to build SkyPesos for award travel. Even if that means I skip the direct flight on SWA, and take a connection through ATL/DTW/MSP.
Have I just been unlucky? Or is this the new norm? 10%? If this is the new normal, then I guess I am finally willing to give SWA a try (I have never flown them, as I am above average height (6'5") and terrified of getting no leg room).
Thoughts?
This year so far, I am 2 of 10 in F upgrades as a PM. So, 2-20 (10%) in the last 5 months or so.
Flying all days of the week (including Saturday) - doesn't seem to make a difference. I do all my travel with Delta, in hopes of getting upgrades mainly, and also to build SkyPesos for award travel. Even if that means I skip the direct flight on SWA, and take a connection through ATL/DTW/MSP.
Have I just been unlucky? Or is this the new norm? 10%? If this is the new normal, then I guess I am finally willing to give SWA a try (I have never flown them, as I am above average height (6'5") and terrified of getting no leg room).
Thoughts?
Apr 4, 2018, 10:47 am
#165
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,495
Has there been a trend towards releasing less complimentary upgrade seats in advance? My own experience lately has been either clearing at the gate or not at all. For example, I have a flight leaving in about 24 hours showing 10 F seats currently available. In years past I would have expected less seats to be available because some of those would have been released for upgrades before the gate.