Originally Posted by
exactabox
Thanks for the info, we've never had the opportunity to try for international upgrades.. From previous experience, the "best coach seat" would probably be on a different airline entirely, so despite the AA Gold status we will likely choose a different carrier..
On international longhauls the only way to "try" for an upgrade is with an SWU or miles and money request. There are no free upgrades (operational upgrades are so rare as to be completely irrelevant). There is currently no way to upgrade, as a gold, from Y to PEY (other than by buying up to the PEY fare).
On LAX/HKG AA's MCE coach seats are, IMO, likely to the best "hard product" regular coach seat available - unless you fly JAL and connect in Tokyo, which provide a better than average Y seat.