I'm using a DM award (wiping out an acct that only has a little over 100k miles) to travel from BNA to BCN over Labor Day. Sept 2 - Sept 9 (Sat - Sat). I booked the ticket a few months ago.

I had to book a coach class ticket for 100,000 miles as no "standard" tickets were available for 50,000. However, if I'm going to spend that many miles, I'd LOVE to fly First or Business class instead for 80,000 miles.

At this late date, I haven't been able to find a standard business/first award available. I've tried looking online at USAir's website, but it says travel using DM isn't available on those days. I've also tried to look for Star Alliance flights, but haven't found any seats.

The USAir reps I've talked to on the phone have just told me to keep trying back in case something opens up. Does anyone know of a way to get my award ticket upgraded? Suggestions?

I'm using a DM award (wiping out an acct that only has a little over 100k miles) to travel from BNA to BCN over Labor Day. Sept 2 - Sept 9 (Sat - Sat). I booked the ticket a few months ago.

I had to book a coach class ticket for 100,000 miles as no "standard" tickets were available for 50,000. However, if I'm going to spend that many miles, I'd LOVE to fly First or Business class instead for 80,000 miles.

At this late date, I haven't been able to find a standard business/first award available. I've tried looking online at USAir's website, but it says travel using DM isn't available on those days. I've also tried to look for Star Alliance flights, but haven't found any seats.

The USAir reps I've talked to on the phone have just told me to keep trying back in case something opens up. Does anyone know of a way to get my award ticket upgraded? Suggestions?

They might charge you a fee to redeposit your miles if an 80K opens up, and you call back in to switch you award. That would be my first guess, anyway.

Others may have better insight, but I wouldn't hold my breath for a seat in F/Envoy to open up between now and then, short of a cancellation or something like that.

As far as just a straight-out upgrade, the odds are next to none. I did get an op-up from an FA on a flight from IND to CLT back in November flying on an award ticket, but even I was shocked by that - I didn't even ask for it.

"Premium" award tickets used to be immediately upgradeable if P inventory were available, but this upgrade method has been "enhanced" by being eliminated.

Otherwise, award tickets are not upgradeable. Why not just buy a ticket and use the miles to upgrade, unless you just want a ticket without spending any money?

[Why not just buy a ticket and use the miles to upgrade, unless you just want a ticket without spending any money?[/QUOTE]

The ticket to Barcelona during Labor Day weekend is a little steep, which is why I'm wiping out my DM account.

I do not believe that you can upagrade on an award ticket anymore. Unless you use the miles for th FC ticket when redeeming.

For the future, one must always book award tickets for peak travel days 330 days in advance to avoid the OP predicament.