Forgive me for possibly asking a question that I am sure has been asked before, but this is my first post (of many, I'm sure).

As a Virgin card holder, I have used the benefit of being able to use my frequent flyer miles to upgrade when I check in at the airport, if I have had a massively tiring tour and need to relax more on my home leg (it is something that I treat myself to occasionally and find very useful). My company books through AMEX Corporate Travel services and Virgin doesn't have a problem with this, but I get given 2 reasons why this isn't possible: -
1. Because I have booked through an agency
2. Because the systems aren't geared up to deal with it

Is there anyone out there that can tell me if this is being worked on and/or whether the reasons make any sense?