Originally Posted by
nwmgc
Thanks BBB - but I can't help wondering if this doesn't go against the intention of reward. I have used upgrades on LH many times but this is never more expensive. Last year, for example, a return CW from LHR to Phoenix was about £3,500, but the upgrade I got with Airmiles, as was, instead cost £1,000 and 25,000 miles.
Do you think then, that upgrading is really only worthwhile LH?
But also, take into account that the difference in fares on LH is usually quite substantial between cabins to begin with. If you compare like for like, a full price WT+ ticket compared to a full priced CW ticket is going to be considerable in the first place. Still, the difference between "cheap" WT+ and CW tickets can still be rather considerable.
I don't think it goes against the intention of reward, as it is still represents exceptional value on many occasions.
Long Haul and Short Haul are completely different animals when it comes to fares and miles, and the perceived value of those will differ because of distance and cabin/service.