I am traveling on a AOWE5 around the world fare. Most of the flights are booked in A with a few in D where A service wasn't provided. I received a note from the AA RTW desk that one of my CX flights no longer offered first class service so I would be accommodated in business unless I wanted to change travel times and flights. OK, no big deal for a KIX-HKG flight.

My question goes to the reverse situation. What about a flight that either did not offer A service when I booked or did not have any A availability at that time but does now? If I am booked in D with an AOWE5 fare basis, can I request and obtain an upgrade to A without paying anything? If it makes a difference, the carriers of interest are AA, BA, CX, LA and QF.