Commuter,
you might want to bear in mind AAdvntage has these CX upgrade awards (for round trip.
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Upgrade Awards between North America Zone and Hong Kong, Asia,
Japan, Africa, Pacific or Middle East
Award Code
Upgrade on a full-fare Economy class (Y,Y2,YX2)
to Business Class 25B
Business Class to First Class 40X
Upgrade Award Codes contain the number of miles needed to claim the award (in
thousands; for example, 25 for 25,000 miles) and a letter code for internal use only. Example: 25B
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Given that you'll earn
c. 35k+ for a YVR-HKG round trip (economy fare), you'll earn enough for a BC upgrade from full economy, and every trip in business class, you'll earn enough for upgrade to FC.
As for travel agents, e-mail me privately. Mine is offering BC fares (YVR-SIN) about $1.5k lower than published.