Originally Posted by Madison Guy

Based on my experience, there is a LOT of correct, partly correct and downright wrong info here.
1. An SWU CAN be applied to a HELD res - even if others don't think so. The SWU is *NOT* pulled from the member until ticketed, but the class (generally 'C' for intl) IS decremented.
2. The held res DOES show "C" or "A" inventory - *NOT* the purchased fare class on AA.COM once the upgrade is applied (before purchase.)
3. Often the held ticket can *NOT* be purchased online - sometimes it can - it depends on how the agent stored the new info after applying the upgrade. I'm sure there is a reason - just have not located it yet.
4. IF AA.COM allows purchase of such an upgraded tkt - the purchase will compete at the econ level - but the tkt will have to be reissued after the SWU is actually pulled from the bank. Many times AA.COM cannot complete the purchase. When it has, I get a tkt showing the upgraded classes and the econ fare - and within 24 hours a reissued tkt showing certs pulled as an exchange tkt - with no iintervention on my part.
5. IF and only IF AA.COM has the purchase button showing, IF THERE IS ANY FARE CAHNGE SCREEN THAT POPS UP - STOP!!!! This is YOUR clue the lower inventory feature is active. ALWAYS SAFE TO TICKET A HELD SWU VIA AN AGENT.