Originally Posted by
tom911
I'd love the opportunity to upgrade on a partner but I don't see Cathay or Qantas making those seats available for upgraders from AA.
United does have something set up with Lufthansa using systemwide upgrades, but isn't that the only Star Alliance partner their systemwides are good on? I don't know what the fine print is to use them, but it is something available there. Use them on UA metal and you need to buy up to a W or higher fare, an issue we don't have at AA for those with systemwide upgrade instruments. Did US have a similar arrangement with Lufthansa?
Had to go back and look, it was Eva. I've bought three upgrades from Y to whatever code Premium Laurel is on flights to/from LAX - TPE. I've also bought them on US from PHL to LRH but that doesnt count as it's US metal.
That was all via Star Alliance and AFAIK, it's systemwide on SA members:
http://www.staralliance.com/en/benef...ow-to-upgrade/
AA flat out told me that it doesn't matter if I come in as a OW member, I am NOT ALLOWED to buy class upgrades using miles.