Finally I have enough Aadvantage miles to upgrade to business for our South African trip. Problem is that route is dominated by BA. Even though the website says Aadvantage miles can upgrade 1 class on BA, the agent on the phone says no, only BA miles can be used to upgrade on BA. Did I just get the wrong agent? Attitude +++. Iberia is the alternative, allowing Aadvantage miles to upgrade.
Iberia also has a promotional business class ticket. To buy the upgradeable fare (flexible) costs more than just paying for business outright. Likewise on BA. Only a "premium economy" FLEX fare can be upgraded, and the price is frequently more that an outright business class ticket. Wow. Is the flex feature really more valuable than the class of service?