Originally Posted by
nuzbim
how would i go about exchanging amex points to an airline that would allow me to upgrade on Saudi Airlines? i see that they're part of Skyteam, but i don't see anywhere i can exchange direct to SA. does that mean i purchase a ticket on another airline? i'd like to fly my elderly folks direct from IAD to JED.
I'm pretty sure that
the only airline that will allow you to upgrade on Saudi Airlines is Saudi Airlines!
With
very few exceptions (which typically require
very expensive "unrestricted" fares, by the way), you cannot upgrade on partner airlines, only on the airline whose miles you have.
You can use miles from partner airlines to outright book awards in premium cabins, but you can't use miles from partner airlines to upgrade paid discount economy flights to premium cabins.