2021 Upgrade Success (or lack thereof) thread
Jul 1, 2021, 3:54 pm
#196
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: DL Platinum, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 139
LGA-MSP tomorrow morning, booked on Tuesday morning. No C+ seats available at booking, 3 F seats shown as open.
I'm #4 for a C+ upgrade on a paid ticket as a PM (and #5 for F). Can't even get a preferred seat in Y -- in 20 flights on DL's A321s, I've never sat in Y and tomorrow I'll get the joy of sitting in row 37.
What a difference two weeks makes. I was the first one off the plane on my last flight... this time, I'll most likely be the last one off.
I'm #4 for a C+ upgrade on a paid ticket as a PM (and #5 for F). Can't even get a preferred seat in Y -- in 20 flights on DL's A321s, I've never sat in Y and tomorrow I'll get the joy of sitting in row 37.
What a difference two weeks makes. I was the first one off the plane on my last flight... this time, I'll most likely be the last one off.
Jul 2, 2021, 9:34 am
#197
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Chamblee, GA USA
Programs: SkyMiles PM
Posts: 257
I am flying tomorrow ATL-SLC-FAI on the best connection (there is only one SLC-FAI flight).
I am PM and had no problem getting upgraded on a main cabin award ticket at the window for all the flights.
I checked just now though and there is one seat available with an upgrade certificate ATL SLC (5:22pm departure 3 July). I guess I don't know that's the same bucket from which complimentary upgrades come.
Right now that's a lie-flat seat (I say right now because I'm not counting any chickens regarding potential aircraft changes).
SLC FAI has at least nine seats available with an upgrade certificate (not lie-flat). Wide open.
Likewise for the return FAI SLC the following day 4 July.
SLC ATL (the 8:15am departure 4 July) does not have any seats available with upgrade certificate though it does have seats. That's also lie-flat.
FWIW.
I am PM and had no problem getting upgraded on a main cabin award ticket at the window for all the flights.
I checked just now though and there is one seat available with an upgrade certificate ATL SLC (5:22pm departure 3 July). I guess I don't know that's the same bucket from which complimentary upgrades come.
Right now that's a lie-flat seat (I say right now because I'm not counting any chickens regarding potential aircraft changes).
SLC FAI has at least nine seats available with an upgrade certificate (not lie-flat). Wide open.
Likewise for the return FAI SLC the following day 4 July.
SLC ATL (the 8:15am departure 4 July) does not have any seats available with upgrade certificate though it does have seats. That's also lie-flat.
FWIW.
Jul 2, 2021, 10:59 pm
#198
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: 18,947
It's not; supported upgrades use OY inventory, comp upgrades use OU.
Jul 3, 2021, 12:10 am
#199
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: West of CLE
Programs: Delta DM/3 MM; Hertz PC; National EE; Amtrak GR; Bonvoy Silver; Via Rail Préférence
Posts: 5,384
On my most recent trip DCA-MSP-SLC-DTW-DCA, I got upgraded at the 5 day window for MSP-SLC and DTW-DCA. On the morning of departure, I found out that SkyWest had downsized the MSP-SLC to a CRJ-200, so I lost my upgrade (although the GA in MSP gave me two seats to myself near the front of the plane, which he did for the other seven pax who were previously seated in F). The DTW-DCA flight was a new A220; this flight will always be memorable because the crack FA scolded me for taking three packs of Goldfish (after I had been in a DTW SkyClub with essentially no food or drink).
As I was able to buy upgrades for 9,900 and 4,900 miles DCA-MSP and STL-DTW respectively, I took those deals; there were over 20 pax on the UG list DCA-MSP; I finished my business early in STL and was able to SDC to an earlier flight and still be seated in F as the result of the "paid" upgrade. So I ran into the water main break at DTW that essentially ruined my four hour layover there.
I might have to make a quick trip to California in a few days; other than that, I'm not sure I'll have any reason to travel again until October. Therefore, I don't mind using miles to upgrade, as they are not doing me any good sitting unused in my account. Sadly, even relatively short air trips are taking a lot out of me these days.
As I was able to buy upgrades for 9,900 and 4,900 miles DCA-MSP and STL-DTW respectively, I took those deals; there were over 20 pax on the UG list DCA-MSP; I finished my business early in STL and was able to SDC to an earlier flight and still be seated in F as the result of the "paid" upgrade. So I ran into the water main break at DTW that essentially ruined my four hour layover there.
I might have to make a quick trip to California in a few days; other than that, I'm not sure I'll have any reason to travel again until October. Therefore, I don't mind using miles to upgrade, as they are not doing me any good sitting unused in my account. Sadly, even relatively short air trips are taking a lot out of me these days.
Jul 3, 2021, 4:42 am
#200
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: Delta Platinum Medallion, Hyatt Explorist, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 313
JFK-LAS on 757 w/ Delta One on July 3
Couple hours after checking in, I was #5 out of 11 with 5 seats left. Upgraded maybe 10-15min before boarding was scheduled to start.
Couple hours after checking in, I was #5 out of 11 with 5 seats left. Upgraded maybe 10-15min before boarding was scheduled to start.
Jul 7, 2021, 11:59 am
#201
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
RDU - MSP (A319) -- paid FCM
MSP - MSN (A321) -- #1 and #2 for 1 seat (traveling with GM wife), declined F upgrade for 13EF (C+)
MSN - ATL (717) -- #1 and #2 for 0
ATL - RDU (757) -- cleared at PM window
Above cancelled due to 717 going MX at MSN. Rebooked flights:
MSN - DTW (CR2) -- N/A
DTW - RDU -- #2 and #3 for 0 (both F and C+ due to IRROPs and rebooking)
MSP - MSN (A321) -- #1 and #2 for 1 seat (traveling with GM wife), declined F upgrade for 13EF (C+)
ATL - RDU (757) -- cleared at PM window
Above cancelled due to 717 going MX at MSN. Rebooked flights:
MSN - DTW (CR2) -- N/A
DTW - RDU -- #2 and #3 for 0 (both F and C+ due to IRROPs and rebooking)
Jul 8, 2021, 9:53 am
#202
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,517
Last minute, quick one day trip to/from Dallas this week - Gold with DL:
JFK-DFW on E75 (upgraded immediately after booking - got the last single seat)
DFW-LGA on 221 (upgraded less than 6 hours after booking - email notification for both came in around the same time)
Probability of upgrade was almost 100% even at booking based on the number of open F seats, C+ and main cabin seating availability (C+ being almost wide open) - lots of leisure crowd.
On separate tickets due to cost (cheap to have different origin and return airports). Original fare bucket for both were C+ before the upgrade - outbound was only $25 more than cheapest available Y fare bucket; inbound $45 more.
JFK-DFW on E75 (upgraded immediately after booking - got the last single seat)
DFW-LGA on 221 (upgraded less than 6 hours after booking - email notification for both came in around the same time)
Probability of upgrade was almost 100% even at booking based on the number of open F seats, C+ and main cabin seating availability (C+ being almost wide open) - lots of leisure crowd.
On separate tickets due to cost (cheap to have different origin and return airports). Original fare bucket for both were C+ before the upgrade - outbound was only $25 more than cheapest available Y fare bucket; inbound $45 more.
Jul 8, 2021, 2:08 pm
#203
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Minneapolis MN
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 491
Few datapoints from my somewhat limited travels this year. I've been pretty lucky thus far!
MSP-MCO May 14th: cleared to F at booking for myself + 1 guest (booked May 12th). Was a late night flight so went out with empty seats in F.
MCO-MSP May 15th: cleared to F at booking for myself + 1 guest. Also a late night flight, but F ended up full IIRC.
MSP-PHX May 22nd: cleared to F 5 days out for myself + 1 guest.
PHX-MSP May 22nd: applied RUC for two pax shortly after booking, cleared immediately.
MSP-SEA Jun 9th: cleared to F 5 days out for myself + 1 guest.
SEA-MSP Jun 13th: applied RUC couple days before which cleared at the gate (split PNR from my companion).
MSP-ATL July 8th: cleared F 5 days out for myself + 1 guest (on an A330 no less!)
ATL-MSP July 9th: cleared F 5 days out for myself + 1 guest (on an A330 no less!)
MSP-MCO May 14th: cleared to F at booking for myself + 1 guest (booked May 12th). Was a late night flight so went out with empty seats in F.
MCO-MSP May 15th: cleared to F at booking for myself + 1 guest. Also a late night flight, but F ended up full IIRC.
MSP-PHX May 22nd: cleared to F 5 days out for myself + 1 guest.
PHX-MSP May 22nd: applied RUC for two pax shortly after booking, cleared immediately.
MSP-SEA Jun 9th: cleared to F 5 days out for myself + 1 guest.
SEA-MSP Jun 13th: applied RUC couple days before which cleared at the gate (split PNR from my companion).
MSP-ATL July 8th: cleared F 5 days out for myself + 1 guest (on an A330 no less!)
ATL-MSP July 9th: cleared F 5 days out for myself + 1 guest (on an A330 no less!)
Jul 8, 2021, 2:51 pm
#204
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,897
Upgraded on both legs of LGA to PWM (and back) over the weekend. The trip back was on a SkyMiles redemption. Not a long flight but still nice to get the upgrade. My general impression is that upgrades are a bit easier now than normal
Jul 15, 2021, 10:36 am
#206
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: SEA
Programs: DL Gold Medallion, Avis President's Club
Posts: 192
Silver Medallion on award ticket and got upgraded to F at check-in on SEA-SMF. Also able to change seat to the port-side window and aisle seat on a E175.
Return trip is already full in F and C+ is mostly full.
Return trip is already full in F and C+ is mostly full.
Jul 15, 2021, 10:44 am
#207
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MCO
Programs: DL PM, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 4,324
Strange UG today. My 5 day window was this morning and before I went to bed last night, FC was wide open. This morning I never received a e-mail or app notification on my UG but I logged into my app and I was already automatically upgraded. It’s been 5 hours since I saw I was upgraded and I still haven’t gotten a e-mail or app notification on the UG, very strange.
Jul 21, 2021, 9:15 am
#209
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,776
Strange UG today. My 5 day window was this morning and before I went to bed last night, FC was wide open. This morning I never received a e-mail or app notification on my UG but I logged into my app and I was already automatically upgraded. It’s been 5 hours since I saw I was upgraded and I still haven’t gotten a e-mail or app notification on the UG, very strange.
Jul 21, 2021, 11:11 am
#210
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 21
PM and was 3 for 3 with non-status companion this week:
JFK-MIA: Reasonably full 767. Upgraded to C+ at time of booking, lieflat F right at 5 day window (though UG email came quite some time later)
LGA-SDF: E75, C+ upgraded at booking, F right at 5 day window
SDF-LGA: E75, C+ upgraded at booking, F at 5 day window
JFK-MIA: Reasonably full 767. Upgraded to C+ at time of booking, lieflat F right at 5 day window (though UG email came quite some time later)
LGA-SDF: E75, C+ upgraded at booking, F right at 5 day window
SDF-LGA: E75, C+ upgraded at booking, F at 5 day window