I've been hoarding for awhile... but mostly have a plan to spend as much as I can on international first class, I'd like to try to figure out an around the world itinerary.

Also because I'm always chasing MVPG, so I when I do have an international trip, I want to earn the miles. I wish there was a method I could buy an international coach fare with cash then somehow apply Alaska miles to upgrade to business/first and still get my earnings... but I'm not aware of any method to do that on another airline.