Comments

1. Why look the gift horse of a sub $400 intl J buyup from discounted economy in the mouth. it’s great they’re showing it to all pax, not hiding it from elites / those with a waitlisted upgrade. Save the instrument for a time when buyup isn’t so attractive.

2. Who in their right mind would wanna fly on an airliner filled with Cock roaches, I doubt any one would, even if they try offering split second deals

3. I’ve been traveling extensively for 40 years and loved the fact that I practically ALWAYS got upgraded when I traveled. I’ve been top level of AA, DL, CO, US and a couple of others over the years. However, the days of complimentary upgrades are basically gone and elite fliers need to get over it. If that means you aren’t loyal to “fill in the blank” airline so be it – they are all monetizing their premium cabins. If you want first or business pay for it. I have gotten some incredible upgrade offers, even on cheap web special award tickets, and jumped all over them. As a lowly lifetime Platinum on both DL and AA I rarely would qualify for an upgrade since, as noted before, the only seats available would be ones that couldn’t be sold at a discount or already booked at time of ticketing so many with higher status would get those so I just check the upgrade price, buy it if reasonable (otherwise in aisle MCE or Comfort+) and end any drama related to getting an upgrade.

4. I chose six upgrades with American and have yet to see any actual availability I can use. Add in the paid upgrades I keep getting offered and I’m considering realigning my priorities.

5. My wife just tried to use a SWU from PHL to Aruba, and didn’t make it as an EXP. This isn’t even for a lay flat seat or lounge access; really just the equivalent of a long domestic flight. SWUs are possibly the most overrated perk in mileage programs.

6. I dig the paid upgrades for a little extra space when it makes sense for me, especially when my company is covering the cost of the original ticket. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

7. Pay to play upgrades are the best. Delta, AA and United play the game the best. BUT, I got a really great offer recently with Azores Airlines O/W CDG-YUL via PDL including a free stopover. $160Euro on top of a base fare of $332Euro. It’s a recliner like most US First class narrow body offerings, great food and wine (puts the US majors to shame.)
   My point? Look at every angle before spending points or cash money. The closest equivalent was over $1900 for economy! You can’t expect to use a one size fits all approach to get the best deals.

8. How did the united fresh roach entree for. Dinner escape from the galley? One less meal onboard
   So sad

9. @Dwondermeant – It’s the Florida State Bird, they fly.

10. In order for SWUs to be truly attractive, they need to become “space positive” instruments meaning that the upgrade can be confirmed at any time if there is so much as one revenue seat up for sale. The second part of that equation is to give out far fewer of them so that only the very highest elite spenders are rewarded. The third part of the equation is to have a family member registry so that they don’t get sold off.

11. New to the AA SWU hunt. I created 50 alerts on Expert Flyer trying to get anywhere in Europe in March 2025. It took a few weeks, but I had 2 flights open up this May and another 12 since then. It is frustrating that it comes down to this, but it’s worth the headache is you have long term fixed plans.

    It seems difficult to use the SWU in any other manner.

12. American is terrible now. Even with an Executive Platinum status it’s hard to get upgraded. The gate agents are rude, flight attendants for the most part no better. I’m better off f sucking my fat gut in and flying SW, at least they are on time more often. BYE AA!