It is possible to do single leg upgrades with some programs but depends who you redeem with and the flight is on. Each program is different.
Some airlines have booking searches that allow for mix class bookings and redemptions, UA being one example, while some require call ins and others don't make it easy.
Originally Posted by
GatorArchitect
Thanks for the feedback. I figured it would be a tough ask. I just wanted to know if it is possible to leverage the miles to upgrade only a single leg of the journey to business class. If not, then I guess my best bet is to just use the miles in the chase travel portal at the 1.5 cent rate and try to bring the cost down as much as I can. I know I will be paying money and potentially a lot of money, just trying to figure out the best way to achieve getting business for the one leg for the cheapest way possible and if the points are any help in achieving that. One thing I have learned is that in the future I will not be trying to book International trips during the summer.
Taking the miles part out of the equation, if I work with an agent from the airline or with a Chase travel agent instead of trying to book online, can they book mixed cabin for the flight (i.e. economy for most, but business class for one leg)?