Trying to fly ORD-HKG in January and trying to figure out the best chance of actually getting upgraded to J.
I could try to spend 70,000 to get a saver business award but I assume this will be nearly impossible to get. However, I was thinking I could use the "Plan B" trick to waitlist it.
I could purchase a W fare and get upgraded with a GPU from a friend who is GS if he isn't using any.
Or, I could use 30,000 miles to upgrade + copay. However, I am worried about this actually clearing on such a long flight as I have no status.
I don't really care about the return flight, and I may just fly back on Cathay in Y.