Originally Posted by
Klockman
As a flyer that's trying to go from no status to SE (I've hit Elite already) I constantly scan threads for any discussion on IKK as that appears to be the SE benefit that I would want the most.
So playing devil's advocate here, can we not take your argument above and take it one step further by applying it to the likelihood of control levels on J tickets that's cropped up since March 1st.
So if the OP was always getting a hidden benefit by being able to upgrade awards in Y, not only would it not force him to redeem more miles for J, it would save him the hassle of J inventory control which has been discussed in several other threads.
The OP will definitely save himself the hassle of J inventory control however is also playing a game with potential unpleasant end results when AC follows the rules (like the one he described in the thread). He might have been lucky to receive the upgrades previously on Y award tickets.
As others have suggested, if it's only a N. American trip, the OP should invoke IKK (if required) and get the J reward seat for the wife immediately to ensure that she seats comfortably. Then, he should upgrade himself using certs / paid upgrades (taking into account upgrade inventory) and his ticket's fare class.
The one thing I wasn't sure about was the paid upgrade. The OP mentioned that the reservation system allowed him to purchase an upgrade for a Y-award ticket prior to check-in. Is that a programming glitch?