I thought there was a trick to extend an award travel by upgrading say from w/i NA to NA to Carib for example, and this would then extend your new award for another year.

I just called to do this and was told I could do so, but I would also need to ticket the new award. So, this in essence would not extend the period, and I would need to actually ticket it.

I had called last year to check on this an the rep in fact told me they could do the ticket to a higher award (as long as you had points) and that it could extend it.

Anyone shed light on this? I am going to try HUCA.

Edit: HUCA same result. Told me I need to ticket the award, can't just change from one award to the higher award.

Edit: FYI, it looks like it does work after all. They want you to have a record locator to reinstate the pts to get a higher level award. I called the ticketing line, picked a higher award itinerary, then called Bus Ext with the locator, and they reinstated the pts, so I could pick the higher award. I did so and see the higher award doesn't expire for another year. So it doesn't appear I actually need to go thru with the ticket I have on hold now. So essentially I have another year extension. Had I known this I guess I could have gone from a BX1A to BX3A and then to BX2A or BX4A next year if I want to extend again. I didn't know they wouldn't force through the ticket somehow when I called, but I kind of thought this was the way it would work out. I think I am OK with the ticket I have on hold and will go with it anyway. Wanted to use the 3K for a BX2A award but tickets to Hawaii are ridiculous. They want us to fly from MSP to Phil or Miami and then to Lax to Haw, and same on the way back. Way too much air time, so doing Cent America instead with nice one stop flights.