Instead of transferring them to you, why not have your friend buy you a one-way upgrade on a domestic flight. You can upgrade someone else using your miles. [Edited: Rather someone else can upgrade you using their miles.] OR have your friend purchase you or him/herself round-trip ticket using one of the 15000 mile bargains http://www.aa.com/apps/netSAAver/Vie...omotionContent

Will mean the miles are not wasted and will be far less expensive than $180.