Since TWA now charges their lowest Elite level members for upgrades, It is even more costly to fly when u try to save funds. Do they have any plans to allow a different plan to let Elite members receive a few free upgrades or something like that? I am curious to see so I can see if I will aim for the 25,000 annual miles. Hope u insiders give some response.

That change is my single biggest complaint about Aviators. Not only the change, but the way in which it was "handled." No advance notice- just all of a sudden, a change on March 1, 2000. Now, I'm extremely glad that I did STL-MCI x2 at the end of December 99 to make Elite 1.

If nothing else, Elites should be allowed to upgrade on a space-available basis at the airport. IMO, another short-sighted move by TWA- probably lost significantly more $$$ from Elites switching airlines than on money made from paid upgrades. And, especially on business routes, it's tough enough to upgrade as an Elite 1, but just knowing that you have a chance is nice, especially on leisure fares.

At the very least there should be a way to earn free upgrades. TW does, from time to time, mail out complimentary upgrade certs.

Even after the change, I was upgraded at the airport about 80% of the time being just a lowly Elite. Besides, as socalterp mentioned, TWA occasionally mails out complimentary upgrade certificates that can be used if simply showing your Elite card doesn't do the trick http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I would assume at the airport the upgrade would work but on those competitive routes to the West Coast it is almost impossible to get a remote chance of sitting upfront on day of depature.....I have to start my journeys on TWE and they say they can't upgrade the STL-final city part and I would do that in STL and that is a pain. I have been with TWA for 4 years a FF and 2 as Elite and haven't never gotten an upgrade coupon, a zone coupon, nothing promotional but my elite card and the updates of the Elite program so I guess they only take of their Jet setting people http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Hmmm... I'm usually getting a couple of comp upgrade certificates every 7-8 months or so. They also occasionally send $$ off coupons. Talking about "competitive routes to the West Coast", I was upgraded for all segments last month flying MCI-SFO route. Perhaps I got lucky, or maybe your lack of success has to do with TWExpress. Anyway, don't give up - maybe next time you'll find a symphatetic sole at the TWA's check-in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif