priority of upgrade requests?
I recently tried to use SAaver awards for a J flight from LAX-LHR. There were no nonstops in SAaver, so the best I could do was LAX-ORD-LHR. I can live with that, but the LAX-ORD leg is in coach, even though it's part of a J fare.
So I booked it and called. They said I'm entitled to a J seat upgrade on the LAX-ORD leg because I already spent the J miles, but only if it becomes available.
Assuming the J seats are not sold out, I know they'd issue upgrades. I have no status with AA, so do elite status members get priority for those upgrades over someone like me?