Originally Posted by
beachfan
thank you for the clarification, you are correct. I meant to say that on flights with both U and C inventory, it seems like when you use a SWU or miles/copay, the U inventory goes down. Perhaps it’s hust my sample and not systematic.
I
I got bit by that recently because I forgot and did it in the wrong order. I booked my wife on a RT TATL in J using BE award and then tried to book/upgrade a Y ticket for myself but the C inventory disappeared. Switched the date and did it in the correct order and got it done.
1) Put on hold the Y ticket
2) Call to get it upgraded (while on hold)
3) Book Saver J online with miles
4) Purchase Y (upgraded) ticket
If 3 disappears, wait to see if RM releases more, if not don't book the Y ticket and find another day/flight.
Relative to OP.
1) you have enough AA mileage for 2 RT Saver J
2) your chase points are worth .01 per point or about $1000. That's approximately a coach ticket (maybe a little light) and, as far as AA is concerned, revenue tickets so you can use 2 SWUs to upgrade them
3) the Amex MR points as also worth .01 per point unless you have a Business Platinum Amex in which case you get a 35% rebate of points (so $1000 = 100k points with a 35k point rebate). If you can buy a ticket with Amex MR points, same SWU logic holds as #2.
If you can split your party across two flights that would make it more possible. In all cases, ExpertFlyer Subscription would be of immense help.