Best FFP for Complimentary Upgrading?
Apr 26, 2005 | 2:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: UA, AA, CO, Hilton & Marriott
Posts: 98
Best FFP for Complimentary Upgrading?
I'm currently a UA Premier member, but thinking about switching to another airlines because UA doesn't offer complimentary upgrades unless you buy a full fare. I wanted to know what the best airline is to get complimentary upgrades, what level you have to be to get that, and if you are likely to get the upgrade based on a restricted, economy fare. What's the point of getting a complimentary upgrade if you're a "silver" member and never have a chance? BTW, I usually fly from IAD to Ohio or the West Coast. Thanks for your help!
Apr 26, 2005 | 2:57 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LAX
Programs: CO Platinum HHonors Diamond Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,312
Originally Posted by uclano1
I'm currently a UA Premier member, but thinking about switching to another airlines because UA doesn't offer complimentary upgrades unless you buy a full fare. I wanted to know what the best airline is to get complimentary upgrades, what level you have to be to get that, and if you are likely to get the upgrade based on a restricted, economy fare. What's the point of getting a complimentary upgrade if you're a "silver" member and never have a chance? BTW, I usually fly from IAD to Ohio or the West Coast. Thanks for your help!
peace,
~Ben~
Apr 26, 2005 | 4:35 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: St. Louis. MO
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 1,387
DL lets you upgrade from Deeply Discounted tickets as well. Plus you get great benefits since they are part of the Skyteam Alliance. You can also choose NW or CO to accumulate miles into your Skymiles account.
Apr 26, 2005 | 5:19 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,687
NW elites seem generally happiest with our domestic upgrade situation. The int'l upgrade situation is another story (it sucks). There are also no nonstops to Ohio or the West Coast from WAS on NW metal, but that's an excuse to earn more miles, right? 
NW and CO elites both get unlimited free upgrades on all NW or CO metal flights that have available FC. Availability is much tighter on CO metal, though. And while CO offers nonstops from IAD to CLE, the route is entirely covered by all-Y ERJs.
I've heard pretty postive things about HP's and US's upgrade programs, too, but am not familiar with the details either.
NW and CO elites both get unlimited free upgrades on all NW or CO metal flights that have available FC. Availability is much tighter on CO metal, though. And while CO offers nonstops from IAD to CLE, the route is entirely covered by all-Y ERJs.
I've heard pretty postive things about HP's and US's upgrade programs, too, but am not familiar with the details either.
Apr 26, 2005 | 6:28 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 719
AmericaWest (HP) offers free upgrade if you are elite members. Platium upgrade window is 4 days, Gold is 2 days, Silver is 1 day. If you bought your ticket with FF number & electronically on their website, they will process upgrades automatically. The 'nightly' upgrade sweep is based on your status (if eligible within the upgrade window) and a rolling 12-month flight activities.
If the nightly sweep does not upgrade you, you can call and request to be upgrade manually or put on the wait list.
I do not know if the upgrade sweep applies to non-electrionic ticket or tickets purchased through other channels.
I was upgraded 17/20 flight segments while flying HP for a year. I was a Gold last year and Silver this year.
If the nightly sweep does not upgrade you, you can call and request to be upgrade manually or put on the wait list.
I do not know if the upgrade sweep applies to non-electrionic ticket or tickets purchased through other channels.
I was upgraded 17/20 flight segments while flying HP for a year. I was a Gold last year and Silver this year.
Apr 26, 2005 | 6:31 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ILM, NC
Programs: AA EXP / UA Silver / AC Silver;Hilton Gold /Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,163
I would have to agree with the previous posters that if domestic upgrades is your deciding factor in a FF elite program, than NW/CO is the way to go. I would probably choose NW, as they seem to have many more bonus mile opportunities then CO does.
Apr 26, 2005 | 7:02 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LAX
Programs: CO Platinum HHonors Diamond Avis President's Club
Posts: 2,312
Originally Posted by dlnewbie
I would have to agree with the previous posters that if domestic upgrades is your deciding factor in a FF elite program, than NW/CO is the way to go. I would probably choose NW, as they seem to have many more bonus mile opportunities then CO does.
peace,
~Ben~
Apr 26, 2005 | 9:02 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus, HH Gold, Hertz PC, National Executive, etc.
Posts: 31,670
It obviously depends on the dominant carriers in your hometown and usual destinations, but US also has free unlimited upgrades for all elite levels. And given their finanical situation, they'll probably comp you to Silver with your Starbucks frequent-drinker status.
Apr 26, 2005 | 9:23 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ILM, NC
Programs: AA EXP / UA Silver / AC Silver;Hilton Gold /Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,163
Originally Posted by CPRich
It obviously depends on the dominant carriers in your hometown and usual destinations, but US also has free unlimited upgrades for all elite levels. And given their finanical situation, they'll probably comp you to Silver with your Starbucks frequent-drinker status.
Apr 27, 2005 | 5:22 am
#10
Join Date: May 2001
Location: NWA Platinum, PC Platinum, HH Gold, Radisson elite, Hertz #1 Gold; National Emerald, Wausau, WI
Posts: 1,482
Originally Posted by dlnewbie
Slightly off-topic.. At the Starbucks embedded in our local Safeway grocery store they do have a frequent-drinker program.