No preferred upgrades on award tix?
Feb 2, 2012, 9:21 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: National EE, Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 21
No preferred upgrades on award tix?
I am confused about something. I got 2 answers from the Silver DM desk saying that there are no preferred upgrades on award tix? Is that the case? I want to know for sure. I am looking at flights into Orlando next month and they are pricing out close to $500 bucks or I can fly with my miles. What would you guys do?
Feb 2, 2012, 9:24 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Bonvoy Amb LTT, HHonors Diamond, AA ExPlat, United Silver
Posts: 642
I am confused about something. I got 2 answers from the Silver DM desk saying that there are no preferred upgrades on award tix? Is that the case? I want to know for sure. I am looking at flights into Orlando next month and they are pricing out close to $500 bucks or I can fly with my miles. What would you guys do?
Feb 2, 2012, 9:24 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SoCal
Programs: AA EP, OZ Diamond, WS Plat, Avis CHM, Hertz PC, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 910
No, generally, there are no upgrades on award tickets. There is an exception for higher tiered fliers as a perk (I think at the 85k mark?) but in general, no upgrades.
Feb 2, 2012, 9:28 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: National EE, Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 21
I really appreciate the replies. That certainty does not seem too fair though when you think about it.
Feb 2, 2012, 9:39 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Former long-time US GP; now AA dirt
Posts: 4,904
I can see both sides of the argument. BTW, on the day of travel, ask the TA if there are any seats open in F. I have been UG'd on award tickets several times just by asking the TA and/or the GA nicely, without any expectation.
Feb 2, 2012, 9:59 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: National EE, Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 21
Yeah, thats a great idea. I just was not sure if I should pay for the ticket cash or just use my miles for a Y award ticket. What would your opinion be on that?
Feb 2, 2012, 11:06 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 90
Flights priced at $500 can definitely be good opportunities to use miles if you can get the 25K rate, but you also have to factor in the miles that you won't receive if you make the award booking. For instance, I know that my travel usually keeps me just above Silver, so if I booked a long cross-country flight with miles, that might mean I end the year not reaching Silver.