isla

Upgrades

We publish exactly how the upgrade list is ordered, because you should be able to predict it.

When more members request an upgrade than there are seats, the list is ordered by the keys below, in sequence. Each key is only consulted if every key above it is tied.

  1. Operational designation. Travel designated as operationally essential by a Program Partner (Rule 7.4).
  2. Tier. Bar Pilot, then Deepwater, then Channel, then Shoal, then Member.
  3. Instrument. Tide Certificate (confirmed request), then complimentary upgrade.
  4. Fare group. A (Y, B), then B (M, H), then C (Q, K), then D (L, V). N fares are not eligible.
  5. Rolling TQP. Higher TQP earned in the preceding 12 months ranks first.
  6. Request time. Earlier request ranks first. Requests are timestamped when the upgrade window opens for the member's tier or at booking, whichever is later.

Seats clear from the top of the list while seats remain. A request that isn't yet eligible (because your window hasn't opened, or the fare is Main Saver) keeps its position but doesn't clear.

In code

compare(a, b) =
     (b.operational − a.operational)          // Rule 7.4
  || (rank(b.tier) − rank(a.tier))
  || (b.isCertificate − a.isCertificate)
  || (fareGroup(a.fare) − fareGroup(b.fare))  // A < B < C < D
  || (b.tqp12 − a.tqp12)
  || (a.requestedAt − b.requestedAt)

Fare groups

Group AY B
Group BM H
Group CQ K
Group DL V
Not eligibleN

7.4 Operational designations. Travel designated as operationally essential by a Program Partner may be prioritized ahead of tier for the purpose of upgrade, standby, and seat assignment. Designations are made by the Program Partner and are not reviewable by the Program. The Program does not disclose which reservations carry a designation.

See a live list

Enter any Isla flight to see its current upgrade list, ordered by the rules on this page. Names are shortened as they are at the gate.