Originally Posted by
RobOnLI
It's probably immaterial to the discussion but I'll bet the ticket was not "handed off to AF". Since it was an NWA outstation and an NWA ticket, they simply updated the PNR to include the new GRB-DTW (NW) flight as well as the AF flight DTW-CDG. It should still have been a 012 ticket. Also explains why the OP's relatives had to go back & forth between the AF and NW counters at DTW to try and get this resolved.
-RM
Yes I agree that was a bad choice of words. Just like if you end up on a DL flight because of IROPS domestically you will get Y even if you had already been EUA'd on NW....at least that is what has always happened to me.
I am not saying I agree with what NW did just that it seems to me that upgrades are not guaranteed so I doubt there is recourse other than a return of the miles. If you want a guarantee that you get Biz you have to pay for biz.