Originally Posted by
USFlyerUS
I would just pay to upfare the outbound and the $50 fee for AA to take over the ticket to do so. Keep in mind I don't think you can just upfare one leg on a connection. And, you would be subject to married segment availability, so the price you're seeing for leg X-Y could be very different than the price you'd be quoted for X-Z. I have to ask, though, is X-Y in First worth all of this?
Interesting. That was not offered and I didn't know to ask for it but will next time. I had an international flight with the same issue that I ended up just cancelling and paying for myself. If it really is as simple as paying the 50 for aa to take over the ticket you've saved me a lot.
To your last question-the simple answer is space. Even on an hour flight I'm uncomfortable in coach. I don't like being that close to other people and by the end my back hurts from leaning into the aisle. AA can keep their food/drink/entertainment, even legroom is not important to me, but I'll pay big $ for lateral space.