Originally Posted by
CMHBIZTraveler
Thanks, as a first time GS, I am definitely not savy at this yet. I was trying to open up Business Saver Award. It sounds like I should simply book economy and use a GPU to try and upgrade us.
If there is T and PN available, you can convert T to XN (saver economy and then immediately upgrade to business JN with a GPU). If there is PZ available, you can get a business saver award IN. PZ is rarer than PN.
Another option to consider is buying a cash business ticket for yourself, at which point you can obtain an IN business saver award for a companion traveling with you regardless of fare bucket availability.
All of these benefits are subject to certain capacity restrictions that I think relate to how many business class seats would still be available (regardless of fare bucket) after the benefit is used.