It seems that nowadays upgrades cause a lot of trouble between passengers and airlines. Passengers feel entitled to upgrades and are upset when they don't get them. Airlines can't be all things to all people. Some cater to the business travel and don't allow dirt-cheap fares (eg. Delta) and these gets the leisure elite flyers mad. But then airlines that are liberal on upgrades allowing companions and dirt cheap fares get the business travel mad because he thinks that he paid more for the ticket and has a greater right to that seat (eg. Continental).

I think that this priority policy might please most people (both biz and leisure). I realize that this is impossible to do, but this is a shot.

I'll use the terms Top Elite for the 100,000 mile level (1K, Platinum Elite, Chairman's Preferred, etc.), Mid Elite for the 50,000 mile level (PE, Gold Elite, Preferred Plus, etc.) and Bottom Elite for the 25,000 mile level (Premier, Silver Elite, Preferred, etc.).

Term Y-fare will be used to describe the full fare which is usually Y and sometimes others. L-fare term means the dirt cheaps.

Upgrades that may be confirmable in advanced in order:
1. Y-fare all elite levels.
2. Top Elite except L-fare
3. Mid Elite except L-fare
4. Bottom Elite except L-fare

Then the upgrade waitlist priority at the airport:
1. Top Elite Y-fare
2. Top Elite except L-fare
3. Mid Elite Y-fare
4. Mid Elite except L-fare
5. Bottom Elite Y-fare
6. Bottom Elite except L-fare
*7. Top Elite companions (except L-fare)
*8. Mid Elite companions (except L-fare)
*9. Bottom Elite companions (except L-fare)
*10. Top Elite L-fares
*11. Mid Elite L-fares
*12. Bottom Elite L-fares

*-Space available at gate only if all above have been upgraded.
What do you think? Each airline would have to specify it to their needs. For example, if the airline allows Y-fare pax (non elite) to upgrade, where would they fit in? Should the companions come before the y-fares?

Wanted your opinions on this system.

Thanks,
BizJet

I have always had a theory that a reason Southwest has a high customer satisfaction rating is that they have only one class of service; thus, no friction regarding upgrades or not getting perks and entitlements.

As for me, I like a system that is fair and consistent, and minimizes the shmoozing, begging and cajoling.

Not sure how many flyers purchase y economy fare, for a few $ more why not purchase the Business fare. Many of the y fares cost the same as Business Class.

I like a system where I get to fly first class all the time on the cheapest fare.

Opus:

one more point - if the airline's terms of service are too large and complex, the staff cannot possibly know and follow them consistently. That's why I was given 4 separate reasons why I recently couldn't upgrade a companion with points while the flight took off with a pile of empty biz class seats.

Like calling around repeatedly to get the best fare, I now often have to call the same airline again to get "the best answer".

Hey bizjet, why mess with a good thing? USAirways lets us upgrade from any fare. Let's keep it that way.

I don't mind if two Chairman's preferred battling for the same seat the one who paid a lot more gets it (or some formula of revenue/loyalty) but any fare upgrades and confirmable in advance based on level. Simple and it works.

Of course, this is the view from the top and it's a lot nicer up here!

QuietLion, my friend, I couldn't agree with you more!!

p.s. Please bear with me and my alter identity, in my own mind, I am trying to decide if maybe capping posts at exactly 1,000 should or should not be considered the new denominator of ultra chic, nouveau cool.