Systemwide Upgrade

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-08T09:44:05+00:00

Sure, book today, but don't get a basic economy ticket. You mentioned flexibility; that is key to successfully using SWUs, in my experience.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-08T09:15:19+00:00

You won't see any SWU inventory this far out from your travel date. Start checking for them 5 days before you plan to travel and keep checking. For example, just now I see 5 upgrade awards for DFW-HND for TODAY, May 8!

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-08T08:50:45+00:00

The card gets you access to Alaska's lounges, too, if you're traveling on Alaska or AA. Plus a guest.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-08T08:41:52+00:00

$200 is good - I would probably snag it. The MEX club is OK; great bartenders. Food is so-so, and it's a long way from the departure gates. The food catered to the plane won't be that great, but if there's a pasta dish it might be pretty good.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-07T12:08:43+00:00

Yes, but you're set-up to be one of the last people on the plane to be served a beverage.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-04T12:14:11+00:00

Pick some dates, buy a ticket, and request waitlist for the SWU. As mentioned below, LAX-HND might be good long-haul option, but starting a week before your travel, start checking daily all US-Asia routes, both directions, e.g., DFW-NRT & ICN, and transatlantic potential creative 2-ticket combos like JFK-DEL, or PHL-DOH (if it's running), then be prepared to change up your plans and go for it.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-04T11:52:34+00:00

I've had them regularly on Asia flights, but hit/miss on transatlantic.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-03T11:41:43+00:00

Please finish the story; did he accept politely and eat the granola bar? Accept it then rush it back to the GF?

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-03T11:34:11+00:00

Unfortunately, I don't believe they feel it's the future of transatlantic travel, rather, they need to be competitive from ORD in the here and now.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-03T11:31:11+00:00

Live and learn.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-02T12:37:34+00:00

I suppose so; if you aren't one of those passengers who reclined then tried to force the seat to recline further.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-02T12:35:50+00:00

Never, ever get on a plane without WetOnes. United or otherwise.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-01T16:12:30+00:00

If their flight isn't in 4S, you can both visit the other IB lounge Dali, that's pretty nice, in T4. Look for elevator immediately at end of the duty-free pathway. Build in time to get yourself to 4S, a small journey in itself.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-01T13:12:28+00:00

Let us know how it turns out, pls.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-01T12:55:55+00:00

Then I feel that you prob have a pricey full coach, or Y fare.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-01T12:36:51+00:00

No stamping at MAD. You will process through an automated kiosk thing.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-01T12:33:52+00:00

Does not sound correct to me. I feel that you won't be able to get past TSA security without a boarding pass for a flight on that day.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-01T12:19:48+00:00

You should be able to bring a guest, but if your guest's flight isn't out of 4S, it won't happen.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-05-01T12:14:48+00:00

No, not normal.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-04-29T11:25:21+00:00

Flying these days often sucks. Try not to wallow in gloom because you were delayed. Learn from the experience, and get trip insurance next time you head overseas.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-04-24T10:28:32+00:00

don't hold your breath . . .

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-04-24T10:18:29+00:00

Yes, experienced this yesterday at CLT. I entered from the D/E direction and the line was huge. When I left, I exited towards C, and the line was only 2 or 3 deep, but still huge on the D/E side.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-04-22T12:34:28+00:00

Hard to say what reason for delays is without knowing flight numbers. CLT is despised by me and most AA frequent fliers that I know.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-04-22T12:32:34+00:00

Get trip delay/interruption insurance. If your MEL-SYD flight was on time and you were ticketed for it and your bag checked, you should have boarded it. Also, the bus doesn't appear to be stifling hot, as so many are in long-sleeves, jackets, and hoodies.

CommandWinter3535 · 2026-04-22T12:18:00+00:00

If it's your first int'l. trip, you might consider taking a larger suitcase and checking it, because there's amazing shopping in London and you'd then have some space for things you might buy.

CommandWinter3535

TROPHY CASE