Originally Posted by
FlyingEgghead
I am guessing you mean MUC for Munich (MUN is in Venezuela and not served by AA). To begin with, there is no first class on the plane AA flies PHL-MUC. Moreover, while using 500-mile upgrades on awards is new, the process is similar to how 500-mile upgrades have worked on paid tickets for a long time. They can be used on North America flights only, from economy to next class, but never from business to first. EXPs do not earn 500-mile upgrades by flying, but may have them left over from when they were GLD or PLT (they don't expire), and can also purchase them for cash or miles if needed to upgrade a companion.
You're right about the airport
I was told I needed to use the upgrades from MIA back to SEA, the final segment of the return trip. I booked saver business, but was put in economy because they had no saver first/business openings.
I know they don't expire, but I haven't been able to earn any in a long time (I have two remaining).
I just find it to be a joke that, in reality, the only way I can upgrade a companion on the same flight is by paying for it, even though AA is making a big show about extending benefits to '1 companion' and championing this as a 'new benefit'