Originally Posted by zski1

So, I'm flying to Germany and back, just booked the tickets pretty late in the game (7-day advance purchase) and called AA to request an upgrade. I'm fully aware that if both go through it'll cost me $600 and 25,000 miles.

The agent also said that since it was within 21 days I would also have to pay the $50 expedite fee. I thought that was only for award tickets. I couldn't find anything on AA.com backing up the agent, but I thought maybe someone here on FT would be able to shed some more light.

Quite frankly, if this is the case, I'd still be willing to pay the $50 expedite fee but certainly don't want to if it is not required by the rules. I imagine if the system is set up correctly and my interpretation of the rules is also correct, I won't be charged anyway, but if I am and I'm wrongly charged I'd appreciate the board's input before I write to customer service.

Also (and I think I know the answer to this): One of the legs that I'm upgrading is ORD-LHR. The "environmental/luxury tax" is assessed on departures, correct? I'm flying back FRA-DFW so I take it I won't have to worry about the GBP80 tax?

Thanks
-z