Originally Posted by
diver858
Have you checked AS? Their economy seats to Hawaii from the West Coast are some of the lowest prices available, possible to find a "friend" in the FT coupon forum who will share Guest Gold Upgrades, good for first class.
Or OP if AA PLT, get a status match to MVP Gold on Alaska. I did that a few months ago and got 4 one way (confirmed) upgrades to first for DFW-SEA (roundtrip for 2) for a cruise.
It only took a few days after my request to get the status. The upgrades are electronic.