I am a AAEXP. Have miles that I decided to try to use for upgrades. Am flying HNL-IAD or DCA in July, then to LGA a few days later, then LGA-HNL a few days after that. Trying to upgrade to business in lie flat seats. Now you need an itinerary with a confirmation code and you need to call, but I called with the itinerary on hold and the person at AA told me that they price upgrades per leg. I was told that the upgrade for HNL-DFW from main cabin to business would be 150,000 miles. On the return, DFW-HNL would be 165,000. This is just for the upgrade! Any help for strategies to lower this outrageous mile cost would be greatly appreciated.