Originally Posted by
dvs7310
There's a lot of false info in this thread. OneWorld is the only alliance that doesn't have an upgrade program. In Star Alliance you can upgrade from most programs to most member carriers but it's only for Y & B plus a few other exceptions, also can upgrade C & D to First on some carriers if I recall correctly. You can not upgrade discount fares though except with miles of that airline's own program. Skyteam upgrade program is very similar.
Only 9 of the 20 Skyteam airlines that are part of the Skyteam upgrade program.
The Star Alliance upgrade program is fairly new, and fairly limited as most travelers are not flying full fare tickets.
I stand by the fact that none of the three alliances have the ability to use miles to upgrade on another carrier as a central feature of their program. Bilateral airline upgrade policies, such as the United/Lufthansa one discussed above, are more common.