First Up Program

[Barbell]

the HP system automatically recognizes the status without having to call in or put in a request for an upgrade like the US side has to do.

Reason #4,357 why SHARES/QIK is far superior to SABRE/CARE, and why we should stop doing things because they're the way they've always been.

Please do not make assumptions that the gate agent skipped over you. You just did not ask at check-in about the upgrade and get put on the list.

Excellent point. Once the systems are integrated, it's all automated. No need to harass the gate agents.

And welcome to PHX! I'm glad you've chosen to give my hometown a try.

Nice to see you back here. I hope you stick around - we always knew that there was someone out there who was listening to us... or at least reading what we were saying.

Gee, thanks! :wub: I'm trying, but a lot of this stuff gets out of my hands.

Did you ever get my reply to your email? It had a lot of very useful information for you, and it looks like you didn't get it because I haven't seen you around. Then again, maybe they made you an offer you could refuse!

 

[FCYTravis]

Did you ever get my reply to your email? It had a lot of very useful information for you, and it looks like you didn't get it because I haven't seen you around. Then again, maybe they made you an offer you could refuse!

Yes, I did get it, thanks! I guess I should have replied back! I just decided to keep doing what I'm doing for now.

It's not the money - my pay is even worse than anything the Sandcastle could offer - but at least right now I really love waking up for work somewhere different every week... Daytona Beach, Mexico City, Miami, Long Beach, Danville, Virginia, Birmingham, Alabama - and yes, even Phoenix! If you see a billboard around for the GAINSCO Grand Prix at PIR, that's our car and that's our series...

Then again, they still have that job open - I don't know if that's a bad sign h34r: but it means that I keep that thought kicking around...

 

[Art at ISP]

Thank you all for your responses. I think we can attribute this phenomenon to 2 major causes:

A handful of agents taking matters into their own hands

Preferred members not following the proper standby procedures

To all reading it is imperative that if your upgrade does not clear before you arrive at the airport, you MUST check in and get put on the airport upgrade standby list manually by an agent. On line checkin does NOT do this for you.

FFOCUS will be letting Tempe know that this is going on if they don't already know.

Again, the way to solve the revenue problem is rational fares, not nickel and diming.

And Barbell, I had no doubt--check your email and PM's.

And if anyone here is going to the Freddies please let me know--I will be attending as a representative of FFOCUS.

My best to you all....

 

[Travels2mch]

This is starting to make sense now.....I have been wondering why I have rarely been able to get upgraded. I am Gold, and supposed to be able to upgrade within 3 days. I always call and after bypassing 'Alan', the nice automated gentleman, get to a real person, I am usually told that there are seats available but being held for sale and I'll be put on the wait list. I have never cleared this wait list (if it even exists). I always get put on the list at the airport and almost never get an upgrade.

It used to be that you could upgrade the higher fares (sorry I don't know all of the fare codes) at anytime, and the reduced fares within the 3 day limit. With 1 exception in the last 4-6 months, I haven't received any upgrades.

 

[Old PSA]

Art,
Just to add another little joy of SABRE. When E booking code is not available and the FF is put on the standby list. However, if someone cancels off the flight who was booked in E, then the seat is put back into inventory and can then be booked by anyone. Since this can happen 6 hours ahead, you can suppose there could be a lot of changes going on and the loyal US1 is waiting even though a seat is subsequently booked. When US requested a change to SABRE correct this(among thousands of others), the cost was outrageous and the change not done.

 

[US Express-PSA Agent]

First, let me say that the paid upgrades begin selling 30hrs prior to departure, so that is a possiblity, because of the frequency of changes by elites, that someone did get the upgrade over an elite, but it would be because of elites changing w/in 30hrs.

2nd, plz understand that many customers, including elites, assume alot. Many elites I have spoken to, think that because the person sitting in that fclass seat doesnt LOOK like they are elite, doesnt mean they aren't.

There are other factors, that can not be discussed here, which could lead to a non-elite in fclass.

Please rest assured that those of us who are working FOR our customers, are doing just that. The ones who are commiting fraud, WILL be caught. (I have been privy to employee fraud sting operations)

***********************************************************
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As a customer service agent I think the main problem is that when the Chairmans Preferred, Gold Preferred, or Silver Preferred passengers make their reservation and when they check-in they are not being offered their complementary space available fist class up grade. These valuable customers should be informed during the reservation process or while checking-in that since they are Chairmans, Gold, or Silver level they will be placed on the stand by list for their complementary space available first class upgrade. These folks are our bread and butter and they deserve this level of respect.

If a Tier Level 1,2 or 3 is sitting in coach and a First Class seat is sold as Fist Up, then someone is not doing their job properly. The gate agent offering the First Up seat should check their passenger list for any Tier Level 1,2,or 3 and offer the seat to them before making any attempt to sell the seat.

I don't mean to rant, but most of us stood by this company during the darkest of days and we now see the light at the end of the tunnel. DON'T screw it up now! Treat our passengers like they should be treated. Our survival depends on it.

Grey L.
CSR at TRI

 

[FCYTravis]

Travels2mch, I'm an HP Gold and have been upgraded on over 90 percent of my 35+ segments dating back to when I was just a Silver. Are you sure you're going through all the right steps to get yourself placed on the upgrade list?

 

[US1YFARE]

i tend to agree that someone is not doing their job--it is easy to check to see if there are any elites not upgraded before selling those first up's...they are being lazy or worse,they want the bonus money for selling the upgrade. the elite should not be blamed because us's systems is screwed up. it is not the elite's fault for not checking and double checking and triple checking...that is why i have a problem with art's post above.

 

[Non Rever]

"they want the bonus money for selling the upgrade."

Bingo!

 

[Whatnow?]

The agents get bonus money for selling the extra F/C seats? There's your flaw in that system....they'd rather have the bonus money then upgrade our elites....if that's the case you guys better get used to sitting in coach! :down:

 

[livingontheedge]

I was reading through this entire post waiting for someone to catch on.......yes, the agents are given a percentage of the Firstups they sell.

While this percentage is not large by any means, remember what these folks have lost, or in the case of new hires, what they are making.

The program was designed to work like this...

A preferred member(who has correctly followed listing procedure) is upgraded BEFORE they start selling FIRSTUP...

Any "non-revs" are cleared LAST after any FIRSTUP takers

 

[LCC_#1]

I am tired of gate agents and ticket agents leaving it to the FA's to deal with irate pax like it is not their problem. They pass the buck, or in this case, may be taking the buck which causes more unnecessary aggravation for the FA who is a totally innocent party.

Thats what I love about you. No matter where we may disagree, you always have the f/a's back. I couldn't have said it better. Thanks.

2nd, plz understand that many customers, including elites, assume alot. Many elites I have spoken to, think that because the person sitting in that fclass seat doesnt LOOK like they are elite, doesnt mean they aren't.

How true. Geez, what do you guys do the moment you get in your seat, quiz one another? I treat all of you the same. If I treated you all the way you all treated each other, I wouldn't have a job.

 

[desertgal]

I treat all of you the same.

Ditto.

If a pax gets on with an assigned FC seat, then they are FC to me.
Another poster mentioned they don't like to see Elites in back when there is a pax up front who "dosen't belong there".
If the pax bought an upgrade, then they belong there.
If the agent assigned them there, for whatever reason, then they belong there.
Even if I don't agree with the reasons.
That poor pax dosen't have any idea of the Elite drama going on. Not fair to look down our noses at them.
Would I rather have FC filled with only Gold and Platinum? Heck yeah! They are used to being up there, know what to expect, and behave like they are my "buddies" (well, for the most part).

Sometimes, we have FC full of bump-ups due to Y being oversold. That is always an interesting group.
But on those occasions, I know that is a lucky flight they will never forget, and they will remmeber me, too, so I treat them just as well as full revenue, or Elites.

And I have had flights where all FC were FULL F fare, too. No room for any upgrades, free or purchased.

 

[SCUBAgal]

I really like the way it's assumed it's always the underhanded sneaky gate agent selling upgrades rather than the fact that on HP metal if there are seats to sell, all of our elites have already been upgraded. If you haven't already been upgraded then you need to ask at the ATO when you check in if there are available seats. Trust me, if there are first class seats to sell day of departure you will be upgraded...you just have to ask. It also helps to make sure your travel agent or whomever books your travel puts your FF or DM number in your reservation in the firs place. (This situation happens a LOT and if your number isn't there, we cannot upgrade you!!!)
Don't knock me for the lousy five bucks I get from the rare chances I have to sell upgrades. It's usually a weds eve flight to LAX or ELP, when elites are not flying. (Although keep in mind I cannot speak for East metal...I am being West/PHX specific here..)

 

[LGA / 037]

The agents get bonus money for selling the extra F/C seats?



Thats exactly the reason why US1/US2 are getting chumped. The agents recieved a flat $5.00 commision for every First
Up upgrrade sold. Its caught on as some agents are racking up an extra $200 to even as much as $300.00 per paycheck ! You cant blame the agents after all the paycuts and increased medical now can you ?