Originally Posted by dtremit
Is there another program I should be considering that would allow me to use my miles to upgrade internationally once a year, without giving up too much in terms of domestic upgrades? I'm based in BOS, if it's relevant.
Thanks!
If the OP will fly 100K per year for the next several years (or close to it) then AA might be worth considering. AA's top tier elites, executive platinum (EXP), are given free domestic upgrades. Domestic includes Canada, Mexico, Carribbean. EXPs are also awarded 8 system wide upgrades (eVIPs) that can be used to upgrade one class of service on flights up to 25,000 miles. The downside of course, is that these perks don't kick in until EXP status is earned.
However, depending on the routes, AA Platinums can score a decent number of upgrades - which they pay for as explained above. The OP needs to check out the stickies at the top of the AA forum if interested.