Originally Posted by
ntddevsys
Paying for upgrades - only possible on NZ with NZ Airpoints Dollars. Very difficult to do NZ-US and v.v due high paid loads.
Actually you can upgrade using the *A mileage upgrade program, at least with FFPs that are participating (UA, for example, is not). However the cost is high, requires a high economy paid fare, and availability between NZ & USA is always difficult (even for paid business class).