Originally Posted by
ice799
...The only way to get into business on this flight would be:
1. Using a RPU
2. Using a GPU
3. Buying up with miles
4. Buying the ticket in first
Does that apply to all status levels, including GS?
Correct for 1-4. You can also redeem for a Standard award and (much less likely) a Saver award. I don't breathe the rarified air of GS, so I don't know if they have other means. The p.s. flights are very popular, so if you're gonna try to upgrade those, you'll have to pick off-peak times and days (e.g. Saturday LAX-EWR redeye). Even those will still be a gamble as Gold, unless you can find an the elusive R fare class at booking.