Help, I need some ideas. I have to make my 4th trip in 12 months, to HKG on June 12 (returning june 20) and I promised myself this time i would splurge and fly J.

At least this is what i told myself - what i planned to do was purchase a less expensive Y, M or H2 fare all of which are upgradeable using the many System Wide Elite passes I have acquired over the past year, but can never use because I am usually on some kind of discounted ticket.

I first tried contacting some of the consolidators listed in previous flyer talk threads. No luck. No one seems to have any contracts for Y or J seats with AC. Next I tried booking a seat on the AC web site in the H2 class which it allows you do do and which, according to the Elite desk, is upgradeable.

However, when I checked with an agent they pulled up the locator and said it was another type of H class and not upgradeable. They agreed to cancel the ticket and reverse the charge even though it was not a refundable class of ticket.

It turns out that AC is only offering Y seats in June as upgradeable and they cost $4500 Cdn vs $2400 for the H2 - which doesn't exist. I can get a $1500 Q seat through a consolidator. (My wife suggested I just get 2 seats!)

Does anyone have any ideas / suggestions. I would really like to use one of my many upgrade certificates one of these days!