Referring to an above statement. In my experience, if you volunteer to bump and ask to get miles on your original airline as one of the conditions, they will almost always agree. Remember to get the agants name so when the miles do not show up on your statement you can write to CS and state that Mr./Ms. So-ans-So said that you would get the miles because of the bump. You can then of course get them on the actual airline you fly as well.

Instant double miles!

Ah, we love the bump; gotta have that bump! My favorite is the last flight from MEM-OMA on NW. That flight is ALWAYS busting at the seams and I always insist upon the $500 voucher instead of the RT they like to offer. Last two bumps are paying for the airfare to PiP!

Some more pointers: If you are switched to another airline, try to get the GA to send you F Class. If you are an elite already upgraded that will be automatic, but make sure to double-check. Then you get the F fare bonus on the other airline. Have done this MEM-CLT going from NW to US a couple of times.

If rebooked on original airline, insist upon F seats for new flight. Pick the flight(s) you want, not the 6 am flight the GA wants to put you on!

Take all the vouchers you can get for food, lodging and phone calls at the hotel. Stay at the hotel YOU want to stay at. Just call them to make sure they will take the voucher. I have the Hilton in MEM pick me up and get the HH double-dip for the entire room rate, etc. The only thing I 'lose' is the airline miles, but I still have the desk clerk put my FF# in the record and sometimes it slips through at the airline.

Even if you are not going to use food vouchers where you are stuck, take them anyway. They are good for at least 24 hours and I like to use them when I get home. Saves me a stop on the way home or cooking late!

NW has the little packets that give you a discount coupon, a phone card and a mile/meal/in-flight coupon. Even if they give you the paper voucher on NW, ask for the packet. Those drink coupons are great when you don't get upgraded and have to fly cattle-car class. The phone cards were once 30 minutes, but I see the new ones are only five!

When you get home watch your account activity to make sure you get your miles/segments. If you are sent to another airline, insist that you be given the proper credit by the original airline. It's not your fault that you were switched and you were so nice to help them out. Never had a hiccup asking for this.

Well, happy 240'ing!

OK, I have read all the threads I can find about bumping, but have not seen any that specifically mention AA. I am contimplating a flight RDU-ELP (it always comes up thru DFW). I would like to gain much milage and love some bumps along the way. I may be a party of 2 (17 year old daughter), but no time constraints. I have also seen nothing about RDU, other than the logic of Fridays (business people hearding home). Any ideas are welcome.

Quote:

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How can I increase my chances for a BUMP!

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Be at the gate instead of in the smoking lounge (d'oh!)

I missed a chance for $400 plus guarenteed 1st class on a later flight cuz I just had to have that last cigarette. This was Sunday afternoon in Denver to OAK on UA. I was flying NF anyway but the voucher sure would have come in handy down the road, I imagine.

You know it's time to quit when...

When you use the free tickets and/or vouchers to travel, do those flights qualify for elite miles?