Originally Posted by azmojo

It's going to be a busy month. I currently have no status but was Gold in the past. I have a trip booked PHX-MBJ in deep discount economy later this month. Looks like I'll be taking a work trip PHX-MRS (Marseilles, France) in less than 2 weeks. I would appreciate comments and advice on my thoughts below.

I haven't got all of the details, but I'm pretty sure they'll only pay for coach, but I will do almost anything to get into biz. I don't mind using my own miles to upgrade to business, which I have plenty of. I know the price of the ticket will be scrutinized so I want to be as reasonable as possible.

I also plan to do a GLD challenge, which should be at ~6000 miles each way, will get me GLD by the time I go to MBJ. I have lots of 500 mile upgrades I'd like to use to MBJ once I become GLD.

I chose my routing based on lowest travel time, which I believe was PHX-ORD-LGW/LHR-MRS, and return MRS-MAD-MIA-PHX all on AA flights except the MRS legs.

My practical options appear to be:
Econ Super Saver: ~$2700 + 50k miles + $700
Econ Saver: ~$3500 + 50k miles + $700
Econ Flexible: ~$6100 + 30k miles
Business: ~$9400

Questions:
1. If I book economy over the phone, I believe they will tell me if I can use my miles and confirm an upgrade at the time of booking. However, I will incur a booking fee for booking over the phone (and is there a fee for redeeming miles on a full fare Y ticket?). Do I dare book this while not over the phone and not knowing if I can confirm an upgrade?

2. Does it make sense to book Econ Flexible instead of Econ (Not-Super) Saver if I am allowed to? I think booking a $6100 coach ticket will raise eyebrows. For that matter, is there really any reason to book the Saver vs. the Super Saver if I'm already going to spend $700+50k miles?

3. How can I be sure I'm seeing the cheapest options for flying full fare coach (Y vs B) and business (D vs J vs R)?

I have a 10% off code that I plan to use which will help.