Hi all

Have been booked in economy to the States and back on United (complicated reasons but this is not changeable). Both flights are operated by Air NZ (to San Fran on way there; from Houston on way back) but the flight numbers are obviously United.

Rang Air NZ this evening to talk about upgrade options. Unsurprisingly Air NZ recognition and points based upgrades are out. Fair enough. I assumed I would be able to use points for a Star Alliance upgrade. No can do apparently.

This seems utterly ridiculous - the agent confirmed there is no possible way to upgrade, even though I am traveling on Star Alliance carriers, I have plenty of APD, and it's even an Air NZ plane.

So, what to do - change itinerary and take actual United planes via Australia? I hear they are horrible in Y; but upgrades could come through?