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Originally Posted by dmitzel
(Post 6956320)
I recall reports on this FF forum of elites that were on the UG standby list multiple times, due to their repeated "OLCI, Yes - I want the UG, cancel when no UG is forthcoming, try it all again later" attempts. The GA's were :confused: by all of it, but no evidence of overriding their first OLCI time from what I have read.
Until evidence is presented to the contrary, I think the multiple-attempt method is best suited for snagging an elusive R seat. |
Originally Posted by Wildman
(Post 6957343)
I have had this same thing happen to me in the past, that is partly why I believe fully checking in at 23:59 is the best option.
In the original case I wrote about, I did OLCI at 23:59:59 I mean just at the clock ticked. Thought for sure would be first on UG waitlist. No way, I mean no way, 12 other PE's did OLCI before me. I did not check, but the elderly lady I spoke with probably did not check in until she arrived at the airport. Three seats were available. I did not have a chance to talk with the other two people. Just thought this might add something to the conversation on BF UGs about the number of flown miles in a given year. In this case, it appears that it was a factor. It was on a A320 plane, 16 first class seats. There were only four seats available at the six day window, three left at check-in time. Three seats given out at gate. On the way out we were UGd six days out, so it appears that we were in the system correctly. I too think it would be good customer service just to let people know exactly how the process works. However, maybe the reason NWA chooses not to clearly define it is that there may be flaws in the system that would be exposed to the public. for example, I could fly out of CLT at 7:00 AM, and then connect in DTW at 11:30. If you were originating in DTW, you couldn't check in until 11:30 the previous morning, while I could check in 4.5 hours earlier. |
Originally Posted by jman4l
(Post 6957598)
Remember, your 23:59 and my 23:59 could vary depending on if a connection is involved.
for example, I could fly out of CLT at 7:00 AM, and then connect in DTW at 11:30. If you were originating in DTW, you couldn't check in until 11:30 the previous morning, while I could check in 4.5 hours earlier. I can't speak for non-stop flights with layovers in a hub, but at least for connecting lay-overs with different planes and flight numbers, I had to wait until 23:59 before each segment. Also, doing OLCI at 23:59 also has another benefit... DSA seats. Steve B. |
Originally Posted by sbagdon
(Post 6958241)
I've not had that experience... I've always only been able to OLCI 23:59 before all segments, not just the originating segment. Even being in DTW, I've flown through CLE/MEM/MSP/MKE/IND a few times, and I wasn't able to OLCI for those connections until 23:50.
Steve B. I never have a problem doing this and often do it for LHR-AMS-MSP-SEA. I'll check-in at the 23:59 mark for LHR-AMS and my 3 boarding passes will be printed along with being able to check seats, etc. Let's say I'm flying at 10am from LHR. That means it is 4am in MSP. Then let's say my flight from MSP-SEA leaves at 5pm. That means I'm checking in for my last flight (MSP-SEA) 37 hours ahead of time. I've never had a problem doing this. -RM |
One should have no problem checking in for their entire itinerary 24 hours prior to the departure of the first segment. That's why MSP/DTW elites heading west bound are disadvantaged when compared to those making a connection in MSP/DTW. These connecting elites are able to check-in earlier than our hub captives, getting themselves on the standby list earlier or snagging an R class seat earlier if available.
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starting to get a consistent message from NW
Still have not checked in on line based on the advice from the elite desk this morning. Still no upgrade. Called the elite desk again to see if any fc seats had been "released" and to ask the question about the impact of olci on the chances of an upgrade for a full flight. The agent did not know, but offered to check with "someone." After a few minutes she said that after olci, you are taken off the list that the computer checks during the periodic "sweep." I am getting the feeling that olci is not a good thing to do for a full flight with few fc seats.
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Originally Posted by humanoid94
(Post 6955223)
I no longer believe that checking in at 23:59 is the best approach. In my experience of flying DCA-DTW almost weekly this fall, there is definitely a "new" sweep that occurs sometime in the early morning the day of depature. My new recommendation is to not check in the day before unless you see R availability in KVS or similar. Should you not score an upgrade at that time, cancel out of OLCI and hope you are automatically upgraded in the early morning.
It appears to me that NW is holding back more F inventory and dumping it into R and sweeping people into it the morning of the flight. It's a catch 22 and I think most people are going to have different feelings/opinions about what they want to do. Some would rather check-in at 23:59 and get higher on the list knowing that they have removed themselves from any further EUA run until battlefield upgrades are given out. Others will want to hold off on OLCI and continually try to snag an "R" seat until flight time, knowing that if EUA runs they have a shot of a seat based on elite level and other factors but also knowing that when it comes to the battlefield situation they are probably lower down the list. I wish NW would fix this. It still bugs me that "R" seats are released well before an EUA run and people checking in with a lower status than those on the list or those already checked in can snag those FC seats. It's worse than the lotto. -RM |
Originally Posted by RobOnLI
(Post 6959047)
I wish NW would fix this. It still bugs me that "R" seats are released well before an EUA run and people checking in with a lower status than those on the list or those already checked in can snag those FC seats. It's worse than the lotto. -RM I managed a 23:59 OLCI UG on a full A320 out of SNA and I felt pretty good about it, especially after 6 hrs EWR-SNA on CO in Y. I don't think we will ever know exactly how it works. Maybe we shouldn't, 'cause what would we have left to talk about then? |
update
No upgrade @ 5 AM for a 7 AM departure. Decided to check in on line for boarding passes before going to the airport. Was upgraded at the airport for both my son and me (same PNR). Adjacent seats to MSP, 1d/4d seats from MSP to TUS. I am not sure what the learning is here, other than NOT checking in on line did not result in an upgrade via "the sweep" and I did not suffer by not checking in on line and was still able to get the upgrade at the airport. Complicating variables: companion upgrade on same PNR, direct flight with a stop and equipment change, platinum status, B fare ($$$).
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Originally Posted by BSBG
(Post 6959221)
I know you wish they would fix it, but as a Silver it's about the only shot I have at an UG on any elite heavy route :) .
I managed a 23:59 OLCI UG on a full A320 out of SNA and I felt pretty good about it, especially after 6 hrs EWR-SNA on CO in Y. I don't think we will ever know exactly how it works. Maybe we shouldn't, 'cause what would we have left to talk about then? Status level fare purchased time of purchase number of miles flown in current year time of OLCI We could have a debate of where "number of miles flown in current year" fits in the scheme of things. I think this would be a good start. Not sure if "time of OLCI" should even be a factor (many flyers may not have access to a computer right at the 24 hour window.) BTW....I do not think the 12 Plats in front of me on the UG stand by list where connecting through PSP....does anyone connect through PSP on NWA? |
I agree that OLCI order should not matter for upgrade priority.
Just out of curiosity, who does early OLCI vs. not? Until this most recent trip, I did feeling that taking some action would increase my chances. Maybe we should start another thread with a poll... |
Originally Posted by slippahs
(Post 6958519)
One should have no problem checking in for their entire itinerary 24 hours prior to the departure of the first segment. That's why MSP/DTW elites heading west bound are disadvantaged when compared to those making a connection in MSP/DTW. These connecting elites are able to check-in earlier than our hub captives, getting themselves on the standby list earlier or snagging an R class seat earlier if available.
Steve B. |
I have experienced both, can't remember whether is was the hub factor or not? Seems living/flying out of a hub city has it draw backs....higher fares, less competition....maybe we can add OLCI / UG opportunities?
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