Originally Posted by
gemac
The only difference between international and domestic LFBUs is the method of offering them (and possibly the method of calculating the price). Domestic LFBUs are normally offered by the kiosk, although I have been offered a LFBU by a check-in agent when on an award ticket. International LFBUs are normally offered by signs at the check-in desk, and sometimes at the Admirals Club.
Are you sure? My impression was that LFBUs were offered when more seats were available than needed for elite/mileage upgrades, while advertised upgrades were often done in an oversold situation, and also that LFBUs were kiosk-only, for both domestic and international flights, while advertised upgrades were out-station only (for flights to the U.S.)
Originally Posted by
gemac
AA doesn't like to do the double upgrade - Y to J to F. Never say never, but they want to protect the "sanctity" of three-class F. The only time I have gotten the double upgrade was on STL-NRT during IRROPS. We were upgraded using eVIPs, our ORD-NRT cancelled and we were re-routed through LAX, got F LAX-NRT because no room in J.
But an op-up or other upgrade during irrops is very different from a kiosk or advertised upgrade.