I have a question that is off topic slightly, but still related. The way I read part of the T&C's, I would not be able to use a gift certificate to buy a coach ticket and then upgrade to BF. Does that sound right? I always thought these certs were treated like a cash transaction.
CLG
I don't think that's true. As long as you're on a revenue ticket, you should be able to upgrade. I don't think CO cares how you paid for it, so long as it wasn't a mileage reward ticket or other free ticket.
If there is a restriction it's probably that the gift certificate is valid only on travel (e.g., fares), not upgrade copays.
What I'm curious about is how they put a 1-year expiration on these things. Some states (CA, MA, etc.) do not allow expirations on gift cards or gift certificates, so I assume that if the holder is in one of those states, the expiration is waived?