ATL-LAX-ATL or ATL-SNA-ATL Upgrade Chances
Jan 14, 2019, 4:20 am
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: RDU
Programs: DL DM, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Platinum, etc etc etc
Posts: 2,341
Recent ATL-LAX I was number 16 out of 89 (as a DM) for 0 seats at check in (F was sold out about a week or so before the flight left) ATL to anything west coast either use a RUC or plan on buying F unfortunately.
Jan 14, 2019, 9:58 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 195
I'm looking to go out to California from ATL for a conference in Palm Springs in early March. I'm thinking of going out Sunday morning and coming back Thu or Fri afternoon. DL has a nonstop ATL-PSP but it's only on Sat, so not an option. I can connect through SLC or MSP to PSP but prices are really high. I'm either going to go into LAX or SNA.
I'm wondering about upgrade chances as a GM for:
- Sunday AM ATL-LAX A330 flight (thought it might work in my favor with the higher number of FC seats in the A330)
- Return Thu or Fri late afternoon 3:45 pm or 5:15 pm flight LAX-ATL. My thinking is these flights might be less competitive (especially the 5:15 pm) because there would be fewer connecting Pax and in the case of the 5:15 LAX-ATL flight, it gets in around 12:30 am, so there aren't any connections that I'm aware of at that late. Equipment for both is an A321.
- Any of the ATL-SNA flights. I haven't found much on how competitive the SNA flights are. SNA would put me slightly closer to my destination and hopefully less traffic if I time the arrival and departure times right.
I know upgrades in general as a GM is tough these days out of ATL, but was just curious about some of these particular flights. Having a shot of an upgrade on a transcon might make going through LAX worth it.
I'm wondering about upgrade chances as a GM for:
- Sunday AM ATL-LAX A330 flight (thought it might work in my favor with the higher number of FC seats in the A330)
- Return Thu or Fri late afternoon 3:45 pm or 5:15 pm flight LAX-ATL. My thinking is these flights might be less competitive (especially the 5:15 pm) because there would be fewer connecting Pax and in the case of the 5:15 LAX-ATL flight, it gets in around 12:30 am, so there aren't any connections that I'm aware of at that late. Equipment for both is an A321.
- Any of the ATL-SNA flights. I haven't found much on how competitive the SNA flights are. SNA would put me slightly closer to my destination and hopefully less traffic if I time the arrival and departure times right.
I know upgrades in general as a GM is tough these days out of ATL, but was just curious about some of these particular flights. Having a shot of an upgrade on a transcon might make going through LAX worth it.
Jan 14, 2019, 2:19 pm
#20
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: 21,373
Don't make the decision based on upgrade chances. Flying into SNA will be significantly less stressful than flying into LAX. ... At SNA, you can walk right up to the car rental area and be out within 20 minutes of leaving the plane. At LAX you could be waiting an hour for a car rental shuttle. Traffic from Orange County into the Inland Empire and vice versa should be reasonable with your arrival and departure times.
Jan 14, 2019, 2:43 pm
#21
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Mostly living in the basement
Programs: Newly minted free agent; MR LT(!)TE, HH SE, BA SECM, DL MM, UA PS, 2V Fanboi, CBP GE
Posts: 5,108
While I agree with your general point, I've never waited an hour for a car rental shuttle. Maybe 10 minutes tops. (The consolidated rental car center can't come soon enough though.)
The hotel shuttles on the other hand... bleh...
The hotel shuttles on the other hand... bleh...
Jan 14, 2019, 3:01 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 195
I am thinking the situation may have improved since DL moved to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
Jan 14, 2019, 3:25 pm
#24
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: 21,373
they may appear at T2/T3 in a bit more timely manner but they still have to traverse the entire loop around to T7/T8 before heading back to the agency location ... instead of waiting at the curb, you’re sitting on the bus :/