Just found out I have to go to Munich for three weeks on business in September. Also found out that my firm only pays for coach. Any creative ways to get around this? I'm Platinum with 68k miles in the bank. :(

Just found out I have to go to Munich for three weeks on business in September. Also found out that my firm only pays for coach. Any creative ways to get around this? I'm Platinum with 68k miles in the bank. :(

I'd get the firm to pay for an upgradable fare class (M,H,Q or Y/B)

Then upgrade w/ Miles

M,H,Q=30K EACH WAY

Y/B 15K EACH WAY

If you get a Y/B...You will get confirmed right away for a domestic upgrade from SAN to PHL...(it helps trust me)

If you firm is paying for the cheapest coach fare...try and compromise and pay the difference between that fare class or a M,H,Q.

TransAtlantic Upgrades with Miles are subject to availability, of course. If your firm is willing to spring for a higher, upgradeable coach fare class, talk to the Platinum Desk agent about availability of confirmed upgrades wtih Miles for the flights you want...especially with the much higher-priced Y/B fares, you want upgrades that can be confirmed at booking.

Y/B Envoy upgrades (http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/dividendmiles/programdetails/upgrades/mileageupgrades.aspx) are 10k Miles each way.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the ideas.

Did you ever think about kicking in the difference in cost?? Instead of having someone else pay the freight!