Companion Upgrade Letter Writing Campaign - Action Needed
Mar 8, 2010, 4:04 pm
#16
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: St. Croix, USVI
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum & Million Miler. Hilton Diamond
Posts: 915
Regardless of how you feel it seems that they should still allow these upgrades though at the gate. If I was CP and had a friend/co-worker that I wanted to upgrade but instead sat next to an empty seat because of this policy I wouldn't be too happy.
Upgrading co-workers or friend whom I often found out after the fact that they were on the flight (so on a separate PNR) was always a great perk of the US program when I flew US.
Sean
Upgrading co-workers or friend whom I often found out after the fact that they were on the flight (so on a separate PNR) was always a great perk of the US program when I flew US.
Sean
Mar 8, 2010, 4:10 pm
#17
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 535
Looks like they will still do upgrades at the airport. Saw this on the web site:
Please advise the gate agent at the airport if you're traveling with a companion.
It's in the Preferred upgrade priority – day of departure section on this page:
http://www2.usairways.com/en-US/divi.../upgrades.html
Anyone experienced the ability (or inability) to upgrade a companion (in a separate PNR) at the airport on day of departure recently?
Please advise the gate agent at the airport if you're traveling with a companion.
It's in the Preferred upgrade priority – day of departure section on this page:
http://www2.usairways.com/en-US/divi.../upgrades.html
Anyone experienced the ability (or inability) to upgrade a companion (in a separate PNR) at the airport on day of departure recently?
Mar 8, 2010, 4:33 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: US-CP, UA, Marriott Rewards, HHonors, Avis,
Posts: 4,549
Mar 9, 2010, 9:52 am
#19
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: BOS,PIT
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, JetBlue Mosaic, United Silver
Posts: 461
OK here's what I see as the problem. Your legitimate companions are not always on the same itinerary for various reasons: agent screw-up, payment issues, etc. I remember several years ago (Sabre days) we had the ability to "link" PNRs so that your companion on a different PNR would be seen by the "upgrade gnome" and upgrade with you. This solves the problem of people going around the system while still retaining the ability to get your legitimate companion upgraded. At the time it worked for me so that I could buy a ticket for my girlfriend to accompany me on business travel which was booked through corporate agent.
One nightmare situation I can imagine: If you attempt to gate dance with a companion, they split your PNR. If you do gate dance on the outbound leg, you'll lose the ability to upgrade your companion on the return.
Somewhat OT: I've always thought the companion upgrade would make a great pickup line. "Excuse me are you sitting in First Class? Would you like to be my companion?" I've been in a relationship the entire period I've had status so never had a chance to try it...
One nightmare situation I can imagine: If you attempt to gate dance with a companion, they split your PNR. If you do gate dance on the outbound leg, you'll lose the ability to upgrade your companion on the return.
Somewhat OT: I've always thought the companion upgrade would make a great pickup line. "Excuse me are you sitting in First Class? Would you like to be my companion?" I've been in a relationship the entire period I've had status so never had a chance to try it...