I know this has been said many times here, but it pays to "shop around" for the right reso agent. I wanted to upgrade the ORD/PEK leg of a trip to C. Wanted a one way buy up from W to H and kick in the miles. First agent said no one way available, must buy both ways even though I didn't want the return upgraded (traveling with someone.) I said I'll think about it because with the $150 change charge it would be a difference of about $800.

Second agent I called, JoAnne, agreed with me, that was pretty pricey. So, she said hang on and called the rate desk to see what could be done. After a very long wait, she came back and said they found a diffferent fare which cut the price by $326, about half of the upcharge for H. (Or, maybe they found a one way upgrade.)

So, it goes to show that many times what we want is available, just takes persistence and the right agent. $326 will buy a lot of knock off purses and great meals in PEK, so I'm feeling pretty good about this. Thank you JoAnne.