A search for "international upgrades" brought up 107 threads. I have picked out the several that will be of the most help to you. Obviously this is one of the most frequently discussed topics here. The summary is that Continental has a very strict international upgrade policy. In order to protect the integrity of the BusinessFirst cabin, upgrades or award tickets are only processed 30 days prior to departure to 72 hours to departure. No upgrades are processed within 72 hours of departure. If you have a high status (Platinum or maybe even gold) you will have a good chance of clearing, otherwise you have my luck. As Hawaii service features BusinessFirst service, you must upgrade using the same BusinessFirst rules as Europe et al. It is one of the hardest routes to upgrade/get free tickets. Basically if you want BusinessFirst good luck. Consider paying the fare if you don't clear at 72 hours and there are seats left, otherwise you'll have to do with coach. Other airlines are marginally better. AA allows upgrades at all fares using mileage; top-tier get 8 one-way certs. Top-tier at UA get 6 certs; others can upgrade from most coach fares with mileage. All USAir tiers get at least two systemwide certs, others can upgrade with miles. DL is probably as bad as CO or maybe slightly better. Highly capacity controlled; can only upgrade from three highest coach fares. Welcome to FlyerTalk.

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