FF Tickets on Hold w/AA

[Marcia3641]

I posted this on flyertalk but wanted to see if I get any additional feedback from any Tuggers.

My friend has two FF tickets on hold for LAX to Rome at 60K each in Coach. In order for her and her husband to upgrade to Business Class it would cost an additional 2K each . Her husband is tall and is not very happy with the coach FF ticket, she doesn't have enough points to book Business Class FF tickets and there aren't any of those tickets available anyway on that particular flight. She did though find an alternative flight for her husband but at 90K (he has 92K and she has 65K) and on a different flight and with a LOT of layovers. And it doesn't make any sense for them to fly seperate on such a long trip IMO.

I told her that husband will have to suck it up and fly coach but I thought I would see what suggestions I can get from the experts as too what she can do if anything once she books the tickets. Thanks in advance.

Marcia3641

 

[JEFF H]

unless they want to take seperate flights I would hold the coach tickets now. Call AA and have them put the husband on a waiting list for a business class seat on those flights.
A seat may open up and then they will upgrade him and deduct the required miles. If a seat does not open up they should goto plan C and request emergency exit row seats for the better leg room they will offer.

 

[Steamboat Bill]

Try to get the bulkhead. I also like asiles better than windows for more legroom.

 

[Ken555]

Tell your friend to get to the airport very very early and request emergency exit row seats in coach. Much more room there

 

[Pit]

If either of them have status on AA, reserve the exit row seats *now*. They will be long gone by the date of travel. Check seatguru.com to make sure you're getting exit row seats that recline.

 

[travelguy]

AA “Status” members can book exit rows when the reservation is made. Otherwise, exit rows become available the day of flight – at the airport ONLY.

 

[Carolyn]

AA “Status” members can book exit rows when the reservation is made. Otherwise, exit rows become available the day of flight – at the airport ONLY.

What's a "STATUS" member?

Carolyn

 

[Pit]

What's a "STATUS" member?

Carolyn

Anyone who is Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum in the AAdvantage FF program can reserve "premium" seating, which includes the exit rows. They are usually reserved well in advance of the departure date. These seats do often open up near to the departure date as first/business upgrades clear. However, they are often snapped up just as quickly by other status passengers, who don't have to wait until they get to the airport.

 

[travelguy]

Anyone who is Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum in the AAdvantage FF program can reserve "premium" seating, which includes the exit rows. They are usually reserved well in advance of the departure date. These seats do often open up near to the departure date as first/business upgrades clear. However, they are often snapped up just as quickly by other status passengers, who don't have to wait until they get to the airport.

This is correct. To add to it, qualifying for these "Status" levels almost always requires miles from actual paid flights. Miles accrued by all those creative methods (credit cards, contests, etc.) usually do not count toward "Status".