One of the questions that I get asked all the time is “How do you get upgraded on a flight?” Well that is not a simple question. There are many factors that go into that equation. Things have changed alot in the last couple of years in regards to the upgrade process due to the use of computers. In the past, grooming and a nice suit and asking nicely may have gotten you an upgrade but those days are long gone. Today, most upgrades are predetermined before you get to the gate and any other left over upgrades are determined by the computer. There are some upgrades that are called “Operational Upgrades” which are last minute decisions to move people due to an oversell situation in economy. But these are elusive and the agent is most likely going to move an elite into that seat. The Wall Street Journal just did an article. I don’t agree with the whole article but it does give you a simple layout for understanding the upgrade process by airline.
You want a first-class upgrade on your next trip—who doesn’t? But airlines have made it more expensive—and more confusing—to snare one.
In recent months, many big carriers have changed their upgrade rules, adding more restrictions and upping fees. More changes have already been announced for next year. So now is a great time to take a close look and compare airlines’ programs.
Continental Airlines Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc. fliers should pay particular attention because Continental is leaving its SkyTeam partnership with Delta this month and joining the Star Alliance with UAL Corp.’s United Airlines and US Airways Group Inc. That means customers of Delta and Northwest will lose some opportunities to earn miles and will see their reward trip options shrink. United and US Airways partisans, however, stand to gain. New York will be a prime battleground since Continental and Delta customers will likely want to choose one or the other, but the changes may lead to frequent-flier program jockeying across the country.
Read the rest of the article here.
If you have read the article you realize there is method to their madness but just because there is a system does not mean it cannot happen. Keep tuned in and I will share with you the art and science to get upgraded and working the system.
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