Hi,

does VA have the concept of a "waitlist" like other airlines? Or is everything either available or not avaliable?

Since it seems that on the day of flight, all first class seats are the "same", here is an idea for a guaranteed way to score a first class upgrade:

1. Book the cheapest coach fare far in advance.
2. Also far in advance, book a second ticket in First Class, with your favorite seat.
3. Within 24 hours before the flight, cancel the First Class ticket, and then quickly grab the now available "reserved" seat for your coach ticket to upgrade into.

Thoughts? Would this work? Of course, as far as I understand, the "refund" would only be in VX credit, but if one travels VX frequently, thats as good as cash back.

Thanks.

No, there's no waitlist, but if I'm on the same flight as you it won't work, because I type more quickly. ;-)

Seriously, the main risk is that their website is likely to go down in between.

But I get to choose when I cancel the First flight, and upgrade! It's not like the current upgrades where the is a "race" between people exactly 24 hours before the flight. Unless you constantly hit refresh during the 24 hours to catch me when I cancel my First class ticket, I'll have a huge edge over you!

I'd say if I do this at a random time, the chance of anyone preempting me is tiny. And even if it does happen, I still haven't lost any money.

I agree. What I was saying is that if you pick the wrong random time, you will cancel your F ticket, the site will go down, and you'll get tired of waiting, and someone will grab the seat.

Anyway, I do a variant what you suggest pretty regularly.