AirDude I'm so sorry I have mislead you.

As you may notice per my answer I was under the impression this question came from another forUAm...

I did correct the answer but, apparently you picked the former one, prior to my posting the correction.

With AAdvantage you can upgrade flights in the US, Central America and the Caribbean...

Your given example JFK-LAX does require 5 e-500 mile certificates - though AA gracefully offers 50 mile, that is a 2550 mile flight would still require the same 5 certificates.

If you have any additional doubts do ask - I'll promise to pay attention where I'm posting.