I'm certainly no expert on using Avios to upgrade. I will note that just the last few posts in this thread are confusing, since they seem to equate upgrading using Avios with upgrading using other more specialized instruments. I am familiar with AA, and their rules on using SWUs (specialized upgrade instruments for top-tier and million-milers) are much more restrictive than are the rules for using AAdvantage miles (e.g., SWUs cannot be used on codeshares).
I did check the
BA EC web site to see what it says. I cannot find any text regarding ticket stock or codeshares. It does say:
- Upgrade on British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines flights.
The section on Travel Agent booking likewise doesn't mention anything about codeshares or ticket stock:
Bookings made through your travel agent can now be upgraded on
ba.com or through your local Executive Club service centre. The flights you would like to upgrade must be booked and ticketed in eligible booking classes, however Bulk Tour (BT) and Inclusive Tour (IT) fare types are not eligible.
Please contact your travel agent to check if you have an eligible booking before visiting Manage My Booking to upgrade your flight.
The few times I have attempted to upgrade BA flights on RTWs, I was told (by AA when I tried to use AA miles, and by BA when I tried to use Avios) that it wasn't possible to upgrade on xONEx fares. I'm not saying the agents who told me this were right and FTers are wrong, just that the situation and any actual rules do not seem to be clear.