Questions and Answers

In the ranking of upgrades – where/how does the biz extra upgrade vouchers fit – below or above EXP status?

OMAAT World,

I am an aa exp. i also have biz extra upgrades. my question is how does AA look at them and what takes priority in determining an upgrade – exp or biz extra?

Thanks.

[USER=7]@Tiffany[/USER] – please merge with [URL]https://asklucky.onemileatatime.com/threads/exp-vs-biz-extra.36975/[/URL]

Biz extra requires “C” inventory to clear, but can clear months in advance, and can’t be waitlisted — space can either be confirmed in advance, or not at all.

Complimentary EXP upgrades can clear starting at their window, and up until boarding completes.

There isn’t really an overlapping “priority”.

Tiffany – thanks but i am unclear. i usually book my travel within a week of traveling. so what’s my best path to upgrade?

[QUOTE=”Dawatson, post: 66907, member: 3324″]Tiffany – thanks but i am unclear. i usually book my travel within a week of traveling. so what’s my best path to upgrade?[/QUOTE]

I believe that C inventory (SWU and BXP upgrades) clears before R upgrades. It is not EXP [U][I][B]or[/B][/I][/U] Biz Extra, but rather status first (EXP, down to Gold) followed then by type of upgrade (SWU or BXP being equal, and then moving on to complimentary upgrades). But a vocal minority will always post exceptions to this order on FlyerTalk. [USER=7]@Tiffany[/USER], please correct me if I have this wrong.

[USER=4556]@OCTinPHL[/USER] — I think you’re right? It’s honestly hard to keep track now that I don’t fly AA.

[USER=3324]@Dawatson[/USER] — If C inventory is available when you’re booking, and you are booking an eligible fare (which you likely are if you’re only booking a week out), then you are probably better off using the BXP1 rather than gambling on the complimentary EXP upgrade at the window?

[QUOTE=”Tiffany, post: 66918, member: 7″][USER=4556]@OCTinPHL[/USER] — I think you’re right? It’s honestly hard to keep track now that I don’t fly AA.

[USER=3324]@Dawatson[/USER] — If C inventory is available when you’re booking, and you are booking an eligible fare (which you likely are if you’re only booking a week out), then you are probably better off using the BXP1 rather than gambling on the complimentary EXP upgrade at the window?[/QUOTE]
How do you get visibility into C inventory?

You can use a tool like Expert Flyer.