As an athlete who has represented my country in the past, when you make your respective national team, there are certain conditions which go along with the nomination.

These vary from country to country and sport to sport but travel related rules I have commonly seen include traveling in uniform and traveling as a team. Obviously exceptions are made for extenuating circumstances.

The life of an amateur athlete is one of charity. Poverty isn't the correct word but it has some of the right connotations. You take what your national organizing committee gives you and you make the best of it (unless you are some superstar with a generous sponsor). I've never received a ticket for a flight in J or F; always Y even when flying TPAC or TATL (YVR-SYD in Y is tough).

I have used my AC upgrade instruments on tickets which I have received... AC status earned by flying for sport .