Originally Posted by
Diplomatico
Not quite true. Upgrades to a different class are specifically called out in the T&C's as not qualifying airline incidental expenses:
"Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees."
Receiving the statement credit when paying for an upgrade to F/J is a YMMV situation.
I"m booked in economy on IAD-MSY. On United.com, they are offering 20k UA miles + $75 to upgrade (non-guaranteed upgrade.. the "Use Miles to Upgrade" option); or a straight $239 to upgrade (guaranteed -- the "Purchase Upgrade" option).
Any advice on which option may end up with a charge that is more likely to qualify for the AmEx reimbursement?