I normally pay for first class or use some type of points, business extra, or SWU to upgrade a coach fare. However, I decided to take a gamble on my AA status for an upgrade as I would not be too disappointed to end up in premium economy on a Boeing 777 for a 2.5 hour flight.

I wonder if I set a record for the “lowest price per mile” for booking American Airlines lie-flat first class seats (Boeing 777) via a fully paid one-way ticket (i.e. no points, no SWU, no credits) as I booked MIA-ORD in Main Cabin Economy (O) ticket for $39.40 and was upgrade to first class when the cabin doors closed. I am Executive Platinum and did not get upgraded before I got on the plane, but when the doors closed, the agent handed me a new ticket and I switched seats on my AA app, I was upgraded to Lie-Flat First Class.

$39.40 cost of one-way ticket
1,197 miles
$.0329 per mile
$3.29 per 100 miles

Perhaps someone has beat that via NYC to LAX or something like that, but I felt I got a fantastic bargain for a great seat.

Also, on the return flight ORD-MIA, I was #1 on the upgrade list but did not get matched but was not too disappointed in my Premium economy aisle seat and it was actually pretty comfy. However, when I asked for a small bottle of rum with my soda, they said they are not offering that until January. I did watch the movie “Free Guy” and it was pretty good. That said, I do everything in my power to avoid flying coach and won’t fly if the only available seats are in the back of the plane in the middle seat (no aisle/no window). I am not a prima-donna, I am just getting too old for that .....