Just Another Reason I Love American Airlines

ByEdward Pizzarello

I had a last-minute flight I needed to book for this upcoming week on AA and a revenue ticket was disgustingly expensive.  So, I looked at award seats.  Unfortunately, there was no “saver” inventory for either economy or first.

I went ahead and plunked down 50,000 miles for a coach ticket (which was still a good value considering AA and UA wanted $1600 round trip for my flight).

After I was ticketed, I called the AA Executive Platinum desk (EXP is the greatest status in the US, IMO).  I asked if they would be kind enough to ask revenue management if they would consider putting me in First Class instead of coach since I was using the same amount of miles as required for a “saver” Business/First award.

A few hours later, ding!  I was upgraded.

Now, I know as a United Airlines flier that because I have their credit card I can upgrade award flights for myself and a guest.  I’ve never tried it and I don’t know where I’d end up in the queue.  But, I know for sure what the answer would be if I called UA and asked, “Pretty please.  Can you put me in F?”  😀

 

My goal in life is to fill my family’s passports with stamps, creating buckets of memories along the way. You’ll find me writing about realistic ways for normal people to travel the world, whether you’re on a budget or enjoy luxury. I also enjoy taking us on the occasional detour to explore the inner workings of the travel industry.

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