Originally Posted by
ESpen36
Not sure. I seem to remember a discussion a while back in this forum. I imagine that AA would discourage it given that an eVIP is worth something to you (and to AA), whereas the domestic complimentary upgrades have no value.
I know that a lot of people say that Hawaii is a lousy use of eVIPs because you could use them for EZE-ORD-DEL or NRT-LAX-LHR and they would be worth MUCH, MUCH more. But, sadly, I don't always fly such routes, and eVIPs have an expiration date. I'm flying to Hawaii for a part-MR, part-vacation, and I want to be guaranteed my upgrade!
If I am using miles (15k, right to HNL?), do the miles get deducted at the time of confirmation? That would mean AA needs to re-instate the miles, which just seems like a non-AA thing to do for free :P
Certainly miles are more valuable than eVIPs, but for 4k+ mile trip, eVIP is a good use if you dont do much intl travel.
Side question: Do miles only upgrade a segment, or an entire one-way itinerary?