I'm planning to take a trip to Paris sometime in September. I'm a gold AAdvantage member, and was thinking of buying an economy fare and then upgrading to business. Are the deep discount N fares upgradable with miles? If not, are the normal discount ones like V - or do I need to get a Y or B fare?

The plane stops once in JFK (flight 44) - would that mean I would have to use normal electronic upgrades on the SFO-JFK bit, and then miles on the JFK-CDG or will the miles upgrade suffice from SFO? Finally, can I use the miles upgrade when booking, or does it work the same as domestic ones, where I only find out 24 hrs before the flight?

Sorry for the long question, I appreciate any any help you can offer - Thanks for the excellent forum.

KB