Originally Posted by
Lurker
Many thanks Gardyloo,
that is exactly the expert summary I needed. Now it seems that I need to better investigate the UG opportunities to Australia for an AA EXP. I understand that the AA SWUs are not useful on that route. I assume that leaves me working out options on QF? Are questions about using my AA miles for QF UGs TPAC best addressed here or in the QF forum? I suppose I could also book QF Premium Economy, which I have heard on the grapevine is comfortable?
Unless you can find an award seat, AA miles on QF are not really very useful. And while it is not impossible to find business award seats transPacific, even QF elites are not always successful. Using a SWU into Japan (or extending to other Asian cities) and obtaining a seat on QF is normally more likely (but costs more $$ and/or miles). I don't believe QF Y+ is available as an award with AA.
Upgraded flights are not guaranteed even for the QF flyers. You apply and find out (usually) the day of the flight. Nothing available with AA miles that I am aware of.
Y+ is very comfortable (compared with Y) and pricewise is a much better deal exUSA than exAustralia. There is enough recline (and width) to feel like an arm chair for better sleeping and there is no dueling elbows during meals.
Happy wandering
Fred