FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Upgrading with Miles... what do I need?

Jan 26, 2012, 11:20 pm

#2

FlyerChrisK

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: NYC

Programs: AA EXP, Hilton GLD, Marriott Plat, NEXUS/GE

Posts: 2,872

Quote:

Originally Posted by raehl311

I'm looking at a trip to BKK in about 6 weeks. I'd like to buy Y and upgrade to C with miles - which is basically the only thing I use miles for (international upgrades to C)

Last year when flying to India I didn't have much trouble finding availability. This year, there doesn't appear to be anything. I'm currently CO Plat, matched to UA Gold.

What fare bucket do mileage upgrades come out of? Is wait listing possible/effective?

Is there any better way to find fares than through CO's website? (Maybe Expertflyer?)

Am I stupid to think airline miles still have any real value?

The B fares that used to be $1,500 on this route a couple years ago that are now $5k appear to really kill the value of mileage upgrades.

You can buy sub-B fares and still do mileage upgrades. Yes, there are associated copays, but you get your money back if the upgrade doesn't clear. That's better than overpaying for a B fare and not clearing.

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