Originally Posted by
natalie
Might as well ask for all rules. If you have AS miles can you upgrade to business or first:
Paid flight on AS
Award flight on AS
Paid flight on partner (booked on AS website)
Award flight on partner (booked on AS)
If you have a multi destination can segments be upgraded?
My apologies but I didn't find anything covering the basics of miles for upgrades. I read posts indicating miles to upgrade might be better than for award travel.
No one simple answer as can depend on the fare class, airlines involved, ticket t&'c's and other factors. Marketed (flight number) and operated can complicate.
Oneworld (=most but not all AS partners) does not have a cross airline upgrade scheme with ff miles/points/avios. [Star alliance does but not airlines participate and heavy on t&c's]
AS and AA have a cross airline upgrade scheme (out of OW alliance).
With a cash paid flight on another airline (other then AA) AS ff miles would not be able to be used.
With a partner award, using AS miles, you would effectively be cancelling the award you have and getting a new award with AS ff miles in the higher class (not an upgrade as such)
The upgrade policy between USA and non USA airlines is very different.. On non USA airlines always expect to fly in the seat you purchased (with cash or miles).