Free Upgrades - Best Program
Feb 6, 2008 | 10:00 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT G (1MM);DL G, UA GM
Posts: 2,028
At this moment there are twice as many FT members on the UA boards as on the AA boards. This could mean many things but it at least suggests that the answer to your question is no.
Feb 6, 2008 | 11:07 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: Lifetime *G (MP), Lifetime PE (Bonvoy)
Posts: 1,465
AA doesn't fly to some destinations where UA goes in SE Asia and Australia/NZ. Hence I will stay with UA because those are the places I go (and hope for upgrades). AA has code-share to Australia/NZ but code-share doesn't get you any upgrades
Feb 6, 2008 | 7:51 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: MHT/BOS <--> World
Programs: AA Plat 2.8MM
Posts: 4,629
The reason AA EXPs clear more is a higher ratio or F:Y seats on AA versus UA on most planes.
I think the reason for this is certain dynamics that emerged on the AA board over the last few years making it a less friendly place to join than the UA Flyertalk board.
Last edited by wanaflyforless; Feb 6, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Feb 8, 2008 | 1:21 pm
#20
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: MHT/BOS <--> World
Programs: AA Plat 2.8MM
Posts: 4,629
The number of miles required and the co-pay amount depends on the route - shorter routes are less than $300.
Because the lowest upgradable fares are often less $ on AA than UA, the end price is often about the same (UA requires mid-range fare codes to be upgrade eligible).
AA EXPs (100K level) get 8 VIPs. These systemwide upgrades do not have a co-pay. But even EXPs pay the co-pay when using miles to upgrade.
Feb 8, 2008 | 10:48 pm
#22
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: MHT/BOS <--> World
Programs: AA Plat 2.8MM
Posts: 4,629
But keep in mind that even on this airline the upgrades are space available and cannot be counted on.
Also very important is that this airline does not have a modern business class product. It is outdated and inferior to most of the big players today.
Lastly, this benefit is only for those who have top tier elite status on that airline.
Feb 9, 2008 | 3:57 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Soon to be LEGT
Posts: 10,928
Everyone gets it for European flights. For intercontinental, out of the 3 tiers, only silvers have to pay a small amount of miles for the upgrade.
Feb 9, 2008 | 5:28 am
#24
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Lincoln, NE (OMA or LNK)
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Starwood/Marriott, Hilton, IHG
Posts: 1,345
