Last time I checked QF do not fly Syd to auk (alakanuk, Alaska). They do, however, have many flights to akl (Auckland)

I would be prepared for a trip in economy. QF do not proactively offer gate upgrades. You can upgrade with QF points or a bid now upgrade. But given it is an AA flight number on an AA ticket I would suspect those are not available. That said, even as a status QF member the ability to snag an upgrade on the premium heavy DFW-SYD flight would be difficult.

you could try going outside to the checkin desk and see what a fare difference on day of travel may be. I once asked and the response was eye watering . And any probability that QF are offering any seats is low as they will have run the upgrades.

QF will happily fly with seats empty in premium economy and business.

best bet as per the above would be to pay for an exit row seat. You can do that in manage my booking. Also check that you contact details are in, as you never know there may be a bid now upgrade. But on an AA ticket and AA flight number I am not sure. But worth a shot.

KF