So was I... and I will check again (always a good idea!)... but it certainly seemed to me from yesterdays reading that Gold "gifting" was not restricted to award flights..

Yup.. was aware of the 2x requirement for AKL-LHR.. My travel is normally AKL-LAX vv so it seems worth trying... can't think of a better use for them!.... can't recall it being an option on the online upgrade request page however... might have to call it in?

May be a bad idea anyway... these two would NOT be impressed if they were split up... which could so easily happen.. one clears/one doesn't.. both clear but seats are miles apart etc... Second thoughts already!