Originally Posted by
s0me0nesmind1
1. Flying from Houston - I can do HOU (Hobby) or IAH - preference for hobby since I live close to it
2. I do have status with American Airlines - Platinum. I also have plenty of 500 mile upgrades (30+)
I personally would buy the tickets at that price. Not worth the mile burn. The SPG and Marriott points can be used in OGG
You have a couple of choices with regards to the upgrade. Use 15k miles + 175 to do a miles + copay award or use stickers. Depending on what days you fly, the former may be a better bet. If you are going Tuesday - Tuesday, then there is a decent chance that you could clear with sticker upgrades, but definitely check the load factors before booking.
If you are going via LAX or PHX, then coach isn't the worst. Actually from PHX coach is better. Ideally, IAH/HOU-DFW-OGG is the routing with the 772 and lay flat beds. That is where a miles+copay becomes worth it.