upgrades

Tag Archives for upgrades.

What American Is Telling Its Gate Agents About Automating Clearing Upgrades And Standbys

by Gary Leff on May 13, 2022

May 13 2022

Processing standbys earlier does make it possible for customers to get a main cabin seat and then be eligible for an upgrade 40 minutes out. However processing standbys earlier makes it tougher for a customer to run up to the gate, trying to make an earlier flight, and still get on. Non-revenue customers may be cleared onto a flight ahead of paid customers trying to fly earlier.

I’m happy with the tradeoff because when the algorithm decides who gets the seats I shouldn’t need to worry about rogue agents.

All AAdvantage Elites Now Eligible For Premium Economy Upgrades On Hawaii & Alaska Routes

by Gary Leff on May 5, 2022

May 05 2022

Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Concierge Key members have received premium economy upgrades free when they are available (and when they aren’t being upgraded to business class).

For Alaska and Hawaii routes, these complimentary premium economy upgrades at the gate are now available to all elites. Gold and Platinum members are now eligible for complimentary premium economy upgrades when listed for an upgrade to business and not clearing.

Complete Guide To The New IHG Elite Program: Confirmed Suites, Lounge Access, And Breakfast

by Gary Leff on April 13, 2022

Apr 13 2022

IHG Rewards is now IHG One Rewards with a whole new set of elite benefits to go with the introduction of a new top elite tier, Diamond. I spoke with IHG’s Senior Vice President of Global Loyalty and Partnerships, Heather Balsley, both about the vision for the changes and the to get into the weeds about how new benefits will work.

In theory new elite benefits are better than Hilton’s, and some guests will prefer them over Marriott’s, but how valuable they are depends on the properties members stay at and how well those hotels deliver on promises.

Man Upgrades Himself On 12 Hour Flight While Leaving Wife In Coach, Internet Brands Him Scum

by Gary Leff on March 13, 2022

Mar 13 2022

A man posted to Reddit and literally got branded an ‘a-hole’ on the site (with flair!) after sharing that he upgraded himself on a 12 hour flight while leaving his wife in economy, and expressed surprised that she was upset by this.

The 25 year old US expat living in Japan said his 24 year old wife was traveling with him to the U.S. for a month and they’d booked seats together. He spent miles for his own upgrade. He asked if he was being a jerk and the internet said yes.

American Airlines Will Begin Clearing Complimentary Upgrades Before Boarding Starts

by Gary Leff on February 28, 2022

Feb 28 2022

Along with the move to qualifying for elite status based on Loyalty Points rather than qualifying miles and qualifying dollars, American Airlines is eliminating 500 mile upgrade certificates and they are also processing elite upgrades earlier at the airport.

Here’s what it means and why they’re doing it.

American And Alaska Miles Soon To Be Able To Upgrade Travel On 14 Different Airlines

by Gary Leff on February 10, 2022

Feb 10 2022

oneworld says it is on track to roll out the platform for members of one airline’s program in the alliance to use their miles to upgrade on a flight operated by another airline in the alliance.

This would mean members of American Airlines AAdvantage and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan could potentially use their miles to upgrade on at least 14 different airlines.

Glitch: American Airlines Is Confirming Upgrades Even With No Upgrade Space Available

by Gary Leff on December 23, 2021

Dec 23 2021

American Airlines will let you confirm an upgrade at booking or any time before travel using miles (plus a cash co-pay) or systemwide upgrades (which are a choice benefit for Platinum Pro elite members and above, and given out to million milers upon qualification).

However the airline is super stingy with this space, even on flights that are completely empty and likely to remain so. But a glitch is giving away upgrades to customers that American Airlines didn’t intend to offer.

[Clarification – Awards Don’t Trump Status] How Upgrade Priority Works For Hilton Stays

by Gary Leff on November 9, 2021

Nov 09 2021

Hilton has introduced advance upgrades for elites. Seventy two hours prior to check-in upgrades are automatically processed, and elites receive a notification and are able to select a room from the new upgraded room category through the Hilton mobile app.

It appears we now know the priority order in which guests get upgrades.

Hilton Introducing 72 Hour Advance Elite Upgrades And Digital Key Sharing

by Gary Leff on October 20, 2021

Oct 20 2021

Golds and Diamonds will be notified of enhanced room’ upgrades 72 hours in advance and will be able to select a room from the new upgraded room category through the chain’s mobile app.

They’re also adding key sharing to their digital room key feature, so that a guest can give their key to (for instance) someone sharing their room.

NEW: AAdvantage Platinum Pro Members Get Upgrades On Alaska Airlines Starting This Week

by Gary Leff on June 29, 2021

Jun 29 2021

American Airlines Executive Platinum (and Concierge Key) members have been getting upgrades on Alaska Airlines for the past three months. This benefit is being extended to Platinum Pro members as well.

Platinum Pro (“75K” elite tier) becomes oneworld emerald on Wednesday, June 30th. That means more free checked bags, and better priority check-in as well as first class lounge access on international trips where those lounges have re-opened. Separate from oneworld benefits, and unique to the American partnership with Alaska, it will also mean upgrades on Alaska starting in ‘a few days’.