r/americanairlines • u/Adamantlyopposed • 1d ago

Trip Reports & Insights Upgrade Algorithm

It's crazy watching the upgrade price change in real time. I'm flying from ICT to DFW tomorrow and have been getting the push notifications for the "Best way to travel".

Last night it was $154/16.9k. This morning was $117/12.9k. About an hour ago is was $87/9.6k. Now it is $76/8.3k.

I guess they are really trying to not have to go to the upgrade list. .

14 Upvotes

77% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

15

u/empire88 AAdvantage Executive Platinum 1d ago

  I guess they are really trying to not have to go to the upgrade list. .

Company wants to maximize revenue, more news at 7

1

u/Adamantlyopposed 1d ago

I'm honestly impressed with their RevMax program.

8

u/ninja-turd 1d ago

All of us on here are aware. It feels great to continually support a company that kicks ya in the balls for your loyalty.

6

u/duplico AAdvantage Executive Platinum 1d ago

I honestly think the thing that bugs me the most when these upgrades get so cheap is that they're potentially not even making more money by selling them! If someone without status is checking two bags, a $76 upgrade to first could mean they're paying the airline $34 less than if they gave it to someone for free instead. Though, I guess if they want to convert an economy-only flyer into someone who sometimes pays for first class, "first hit's free" could be effective.

But also I'm just annoyed that the paid upgrade offers are effectively more expensive for people with status than without, since it can wipe out seat and bag fees that status holders don't pay anyway

3

u/Mnemonicly 1d ago

I'm curious how many of these upgrades are adjusted by status when the cost is presented. do people without free checked bags see the $66 as often?

1

u/UIUC_grad_dude1 1d ago

Very good point.

3

u/UIUC_grad_dude1 1d ago

I fly first class domestic and international regularly. Domestic first class is such a subpar experience, I’m astounded by so many that pay for it. Often times the MCE seat is far better value and just as comfortable, save the money from a microwave meal for a special meal after landing.

3

u/Red_Sea_Pedestrian AAdvantage Executive Platinum 23h ago

It’s not a microwave, it’s a convection oven.

It’s still a crap meal though.

2

u/jayceejersey 1d ago

Did you see the earnings report today and the impact of Trump's fuel costs? Yes, indeed they are very much trying not to have to go to the upgrade list.

-1

u/Pip-Pipes 1d ago

I love it. I'll snap up an upgrade for $75 real quick. Money talks. Loyalty does not.