How do they fill D1?
Jun 7, 2023, 12:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: AC, DL, AS
Posts: 39
How do they fill D1?
A mystery that is bugging me that I wonder if someone could help shed light just to satisfy my curiosity.
When I checked into my International flight D1 was half-full. When I boarded it was totally full. These can't all be last-minute GUC people can it? And they couldn't possibly be all last-minute fully paid passengers either....Is there another secret to getting upgraded to D1 at the last moment?
When I checked into my International flight D1 was half-full. When I boarded it was totally full. These can't all be last-minute GUC people can it? And they couldn't possibly be all last-minute fully paid passengers either....Is there another secret to getting upgraded to D1 at the last moment?
Jun 7, 2023, 12:47 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,046
A mystery that is bugging me that I wonder if someone could help shed light just to satisfy my curiosity.
When I checked into my International flight D1 was half-full. When I boarded it was totally full. These can't all be last-minute GUC people can it? And they couldn't possibly be all last-minute fully paid passengers either....Is there another secret to getting upgraded to D1 at the last moment?
When I checked into my International flight D1 was half-full. When I boarded it was totally full. These can't all be last-minute GUC people can it? And they couldn't possibly be all last-minute fully paid passengers either....Is there another secret to getting upgraded to D1 at the last moment?
Jun 7, 2023, 12:58 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,358
A mystery that is bugging me that I wonder if someone could help shed light just to satisfy my curiosity.
When I checked into my International flight D1 was half-full. When I boarded it was totally full. These can't all be last-minute GUC people can it? And they couldn't possibly be all last-minute fully paid passengers either....Is there another secret to getting upgraded to D1 at the last moment?
When I checked into my International flight D1 was half-full. When I boarded it was totally full. These can't all be last-minute GUC people can it? And they couldn't possibly be all last-minute fully paid passengers either....Is there another secret to getting upgraded to D1 at the last moment?
-Last minute bookings
-GUC use
-Buy-up offers at check-in that passengers opt to take advantage of
-IROPS from other flights that result in passengers in D1 on other flights being re-accommodated in D1 on your flight
-Non-revs flying standby who are entitled to D1 if space is available when the GA clears standbys
Jun 7, 2023, 1:03 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Judging based on the seatmap is a terrible idea. While most on FT pick seats early and monitor, many don’t (especially summertime with cruises/tour groups who just add airfare to their travel package).
The most likely reason is people who didn’t assign their seats before check-in getting their seats at check-in.
Most of the other reasons listed would show up on the upgrade list (but lack of pre selection would not)
The most likely reason is people who didn’t assign their seats before check-in getting their seats at check-in.
Most of the other reasons listed would show up on the upgrade list (but lack of pre selection would not)
Jun 7, 2023, 1:09 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Georgia
Programs: DL DM/2MM
Posts: 1,037
If Y is oversold, they will upgrade passengers to D1. This is called an operational upgrade, or an "op-up." I think they try to upgrade based on status, but since it's a GA decision, your results may vary.
Jun 7, 2023, 1:10 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 832
Unless you buy Basic Economy, you've got a seat assigned to you whether you picked it or not. So there's no way somebody bought a D1 seat and doesn't already have one assigned to them.
Jun 7, 2023, 1:27 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,515
Not picking a seat up front is absolutely normal.
Jun 7, 2023, 1:52 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,373
Judging based on the seatmap is a terrible idea. While most on FT pick seats early and monitor, many don’t (especially summertime with cruises/tour groups who just add airfare to their travel package).
The most likely reason is people who didn’t assign their seats before check-in getting their seats at check-in.
Most of the other reasons listed would show up on the upgrade list (but lack of pre selection would not)
The most likely reason is people who didn’t assign their seats before check-in getting their seats at check-in.
Most of the other reasons listed would show up on the upgrade list (but lack of pre selection would not)
Jun 7, 2023, 3:24 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM/2MM Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond,
Posts: 8,907
Regarding main cabin overselling, hopefully the GAs process those requesting GUC and mileage upgrade requests before handing out operational upgrades.
And as pointed out, non-revs are not "upgraded" because they never had a confirmed coach seat in the first place. They are cleared directly from the standby list into a premium seat.
And as pointed out, non-revs are not "upgraded" because they never had a confirmed coach seat in the first place. They are cleared directly from the standby list into a premium seat.
Jun 7, 2023, 4:36 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA ExPl, DL PM, UA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium, probably some others
Posts: 4,103
Jun 7, 2023, 5:01 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,237
Worth noting that employees have access to load information so if they see a flight that has a lot of availability in business class they may flock to it knowing a strong likelihood they’ll get to fly in Business. Many people do this, even at the relatively last minute.
Jun 7, 2023, 5:03 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 5,190
Employees/nonrevs can only travel for free when seats are available. I have heard many stories of employees getting to Europe with no way to get back home as all the flights are full especially in the summer. And sometimes they can wait around at an airport all day for an open seat. And other times they have to buy a ticket home if all of the upcoming flights are full. The uncertainty is very stressful.
Last edited by sydneyracquelle; Jun 7, 2023 at 5:52 pm