Yes you can upgrade with a combination of cash and miles and will clear before any complimentary upgrades. I assume miles/co pay clear like elite upgrades-status and then rolling 12 month spend. IIRC it includes up to three segments. A good deal for transcons when you might not want to pay the upgrade lottery, particularly if you aren't EXP. I'm debating for a SFO/PHX/MIA trip I have in January.