Upgrade availability
Sep 8, 2005, 3:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7
Upgrade availability
Has anyone else experienced this? I am a Gold and expected to be able to upgrade at the 3 day window. I haven't had great luck with upgrades as either GP or SP. Today when I attemtped to UG for an upcoming flight on the automated line, I was told no availabilit...however, I noted that seats were available for purchase. When I called the GP line I was told that only a certain number of seats made available for U/G. Not the "if a seat is available, we'll U/G you" as the web site claims. Is this well known and I just didn't realize it?
Sep 8, 2005, 3:19 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Matthews, NC
Programs: AA AAdvantage Gold, HHonors Gold, Marriot Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Member
Posts: 1,459
It's well known. The key is whether or not there are upgrade seats available - and they're currently E class. Since it looks like no E class seats are available - you'll need to check in as early as possible (online check in works well for this) and then make sure you get on the upgrade wait list at the airport when you get there.
Sep 8, 2005, 3:28 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred; HH-Gold; Avis First
Posts: 3,617
The "if seats are available" part is true in the end. Upgrades clearing in advance are capacity controlled (the E fare bucket). All of the airlines hold some FC seats back in case someone actually wants to buy one at the last minute.
If there are still FC seats open at the gate, you should get one, assuming that there are any left after those with higher waitlist priority (CP for example) don't use up the supply. My experience has been that I will clear at the gate more often than at the 3 day window.
Just to be on the safe side, ask about your upgrade at every point of contact. At checkin, at the club if you go there, and at the gate.
If there are still FC seats open at the gate, you should get one, assuming that there are any left after those with higher waitlist priority (CP for example) don't use up the supply. My experience has been that I will clear at the gate more often than at the 3 day window.
Just to be on the safe side, ask about your upgrade at every point of contact. At checkin, at the club if you go there, and at the gate.