Blue + EMS w/points vs. Basic + same-day EMS
Apr 23, 2021, 12:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 340
Blue + EMS w/points vs. Basic + same-day EMS
Apologies if there is already a dedicated thread regarding this question (I didn't see one), but I'm curious how folks approach getting an EMS seat nowadays given the same-day EMS policy and dynamic nature of flying during the pandemic. I'm planning a SEA-JFK-PDX trip for mid-June and loads look very light, especially in EMS. So it seems very likely I'll be able to same-day upgrade for both flights on a Basic fare, which would obviously be the cheapest option. But of course, having a guaranteed EMS seat is also worth something.
Just curious how others have weighed the pros/cons and also what they'd do in my situation. Thanks!
Just curious how others have weighed the pros/cons and also what they'd do in my situation. Thanks!
Apr 23, 2021, 7:14 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,581
I wouldn't put too much stock in what loads look like almost two months out. In the current environment, people are booking flights much closer to the last minute than they have in the past. And almost no business travelers (who I think are more likely to book EMS) would have booked by now for June.
I would look at what the loads in EMS look like for the same days *this* week, on the flight you're considering. Be sure to look ~12 hours before departure, as well.
I would look at what the loads in EMS look like for the same days *this* week, on the flight you're considering. Be sure to look ~12 hours before departure, as well.
Apr 23, 2021, 7:55 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 694
I'm not a business traveler and I love my EMS seats. I agree with the other poster that these things are a gamble. If you know that your EMS seat is an absolute must have/priority, pay for it now