Originally Posted by
nall
LAX-SFO-JFK?
JFK-SFO is one of the few upgrades I've missed as an EXP. I'm not sure it would be much better.
Originally Posted by
bustraveler
Try LAX - STL - LGA. Never missed an upgrade via this routing. Or LAX - SAN - JFK or LAX - SFO - JFK. With the connection, you'll trump all other San Diego/San Fran originating Platinums.
SAN would introduce a fare break (as the permitted LAX-NYC routings involve connections at ORD/DFW/STL/SFO I believe are the feasible ones. AUS/SJC-NYC nonstops do not exist on AA metal.)
Originally Posted by
nall
The only way I know to do it presently is to find a reservation you like, put it on hold, call AA Reservations and ask them to upfare the leg in question. IIRC, the lowest eligible fare code is "G".
Between the cost of upfaring and acquiring BusinessExtrAA upgrades, it might be cheaper to buy an instant upgrade fare? If you're not flying in 3-cabin business class for part of your itinerary, these tend to be decently priced (but as a result, require a connection).