Dear fellow FTers,

I booked Economy (O) class tickets for parents and want to treat them an upgrade (one way) from HKG to SFO. That's something I've been wanting to do for many years.

I am a Asia Miles member. I have plenty of UR, TY and Amex points, and also a lot from AA and BA. I have about 15,000 to 30,000 in my Asia Miles and Alaska.

Any tips on

1) how to upgrade if I am not flying with them?

2) if an upgrade is possible, what is the best use of miles? Should I use Asia Miles, partner miles, or transfer from UR/TY/Amex to another program?

Thank you very much!