upgrades

Tag Archives for upgrades.

What We Know About American Airlines Upgrade Changes For 2025

by Gary Leff on October 29, 2024

Oct 29 2024

The day after the American Airlines earnings call, executives held a question and answer session for employees. One question came up about mileage upgrades and how elite members were getting passed over – because waitlisting for an upgrade takes away the option to pay a discounted cash upsell amount – and so non-status members buying cheap upsells are trumping elite customers.

The company’s Vice President of Revenue Engineering took that question, and shared more than he was supposed to because they’re planning an announcement for a couple of months from now. I now have the full detail of his answer.

Two Recent Airline Changes Opened An Unexpected Way to Fly First Class For Less—Here’s How to Use It

by Gary Leff on October 26, 2024

Oct 26 2024

I’ll take it a step further and explain how airlines offering these buy ups actually discourages passengers from buying first class outright (and you should consider this as a strategy to buy first class for less).

The elimination of change fees during the pandemic mean that you should consider buying coach instead of first class.

American Airlines 2025 Overhaul: First Class Upgrades With Miles Made Easier—But Expect Higher Costs

by Gary Leff on October 25, 2024

Oct 25 2024

American Airlines is going to start offering the ability to spend miles as a form of payment for upgrades starting next year. That means upgrades will be available to AAdvantage members much more often. But you may not like how much it costs.

Delta Unveils Plan to Add Premium Seats—Business Class Perks On The Chopping Block

by Gary Leff on September 15, 2024

Sep 15 2024

Delta Air Lines President Glen Hauenstein spoke at the Morgan Stanley 12th Annual Laguna Conference and shared that they are going to add premium seats to planes.

Forget Free Upgrades: How To Snag First Class For As Little As $40 On American Airlines

by Gary Leff on July 31, 2024

Jul 31 2024

One reasonable strategy is to just lean into discounted first class buy up offers. Pay for coach, even if you want first. Then wait for an upgrade offer. If you don’t get one, cancel the ticket and as long as you didn’t buy a basic economy fare just use the flight credit to buy the first class seat you wanted. But you’ll often wind up sitting up front for much less.

Beware The Catch In Changing Upgraded American Airlines Flights Online

by Gary Leff on June 24, 2024

Jun 24 2024

It’s now possible to change an itinerary online even if it includes flights that have received a complimentary upgrades. You don’t keep the upgrade when making flight changes, however. And there’s a catch to the process.

Man Abandons New Wife At Start Of Their Honeymoon When He’s Offered Business Class Upgrade

by Gary Leff on April 19, 2024

Apr 19 2024

A 33 year old recently-married woman shares what happened when she and her new husband started off on their honeymoon, and only one of them was offered an upgrade for their flight.

Alaska Airlines Elites To No Longer Get American Airlines Confirmed Upgrades, As American’s Seattle Plans Fade

by Gary Leff on April 10, 2024

Apr 10 2024

Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75K and 100K elite members have had the opportunity to confirm upgrades at time of booking on American Airlines long haul international flights, just like American Airlines Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members can select systemwide upgrades as a choice benefit.

These confirmed upgrades on American for Alaska Airlines elites go away next year.

Marriott Insiders Confess The Reasons They Refuse To Upgrade Guests – Even When They’re Supposed To

by Gary Leff on April 8, 2024

Apr 08 2024

Between late check-out rules and housekeeping costs, some Marriott employees cop to lying to guests and saying there are no suite upgrades available – since it’s costly and operationally difficult to honor the benefit.

Soaring with the West Coast Alliance: American Airlines Improves Upgrades For Alaska Airlines Elites

by Gary Leff on March 15, 2024

Mar 15 2024

Alaska Airlines passengers flying on American are now eligible for upgrades even when buying American’s basic economy fares.