strange behaviour from the upgrade system
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: Mar 2003
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strange behaviour from the upgrade system
Flight from YVR-MSP is showing P6 F4, and we snag two upgrades 6 days out. Flight from MSP-DCA is showing P9 F8, and no upgrades at all. I know R is a hidden bucket, but P6 F4 R2 on one flight but P9 F8 R0 on another? Does that strike anyone else as a little odd?
#2




Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
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Knowing how hard upgrades are on DCA flights, and how good the yield management software is, not odd, only that NW is hoping for some last minute high price purchases.
#3

Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Land of 10,000 Upgrades
Posts: 9,459
Does that strike anyone else as a little odd?
#4




Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Alexandria, VA, USA NW Platinum Elite Since 1999, United GoldMM, Hyatt Discoverist, SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hertz #1 Gold, IC Ambassador
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... That and knowing "they" get to change their tickets on a whim... the Congressional Desk gets lots of work at DCA.
Also, did you use the availability tool to check what "R" is showing for your flights?
Also, did you use the availability tool to check what "R" is showing for your flights?
#5


Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Iowa...Delta Charter Diamond, now Gold
Posts: 2,069
Originally Posted by thezipper
... That and knowing "they" get to change their tickets on a whim... the Congressional Desk gets lots of work at DCA.
Also, did you use the availability tool to check what "R" is showing for your flights?
Also, did you use the availability tool to check what "R" is showing for your flights?
Are we sure they are holding flights to sell at "full fare"...or are they holding them to try and sell them for the varying prices that have been discussed (e.g. $100, or $150 extra for some vegas flights)?
#6


Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 8,691
I didn't get EUA'ed for my MSP-LGA flight sunday night (last one of the night, on a 755)--no surprise since I'm currently silver and the premium section of Y had looked awfully full when I last checked on Friday.
I asked at the gate whether F was checked in full (just in case), and the GA pulled out a stack of at least 5 or 6 battlefield BPs to look for my name. Most were plats, with just a couple golds. So I'd agree that they're probably holding more F seats for walkups on certain flights.
I asked at the gate whether F was checked in full (just in case), and the GA pulled out a stack of at least 5 or 6 battlefield BPs to look for my name. Most were plats, with just a couple golds. So I'd agree that they're probably holding more F seats for walkups on certain flights.
#7




Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: BSB
Programs: DL 2 MM
Posts: 5,004
I have been connecting through DTW (most common hub connection for me) and on several occassions there have been 52 or 54 elites on the list for 2-3 FC seats.
You probably have a lot of DCA connecting/originating pax already on the standby list, plus a historical record of many last minute paid fares out of DCA, so it would seem very possible for a larger number of seats to be held back, and then it is also likely that many of the elite pax on the list wouldn't get the upgrade.
On other routes with lower historical last minute paid walk up tickets sold (yield mgmt) you would probably clear your upgrade much earlier.
RC
You probably have a lot of DCA connecting/originating pax already on the standby list, plus a historical record of many last minute paid fares out of DCA, so it would seem very possible for a larger number of seats to be held back, and then it is also likely that many of the elite pax on the list wouldn't get the upgrade.
On other routes with lower historical last minute paid walk up tickets sold (yield mgmt) you would probably clear your upgrade much earlier.
RC
#8
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Originally Posted by Radiocycle
You probably have a lot of DCA connecting/originating pax already on the standby list, plus a historical record of many last minute paid fares out of DCA, so it would seem very possible for a larger number of seats to be held back, and then it is also likely that many of the elite pax on the list wouldn't get the upgrade.
However, when it shows F7+ 5/6 days out, I've never not gotten the upgrade at that point. This time, however, that's what happened. I'm wondering if they tweaked the system to hold back more seats in the DCA market.
#9




Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
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probably tweaked the system. as a shareholder, I'm pleased because it may raise revenue and yield. as an elite, not as happy about the tweak.
tom
tom
#10
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Originally Posted by mot29
probably tweaked the system. as a shareholder, I'm pleased because it may raise revenue and yield. as an elite, not as happy about the tweak.
tom
tom
Now, if only I can get DCA-MSP tomorrow...on a thursday night...yeah right...
#11




Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
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Originally Posted by ironmanjt
My exact thoughts. That said, the upgrade came through this morning, so all is happy once again.
Now, if only I can get DCA-MSP tomorrow...on a thursday night...yeah right...
Now, if only I can get DCA-MSP tomorrow...on a thursday night...yeah right...

tom
#12
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Join Date: Mar 2003
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Originally Posted by mot29
Hey, maybe the democrats are all in Boston and the republicans relaxing on their ranches (well except for Dick C who is here in southern California campaigning) and you'll get lucky.
tom
tom

