How can I use F upgrades?
 

I just became Gold with AA (my first elite with any airline) thanks to all FF's for the advise on the gold challenge.

Anyhow, I am interested in upgrading part of my flight this summer. I am looking at going SEA-STL-DFW-ELP (return) and was wondering because I am gold can I purchase upgrades just for STL-DFW and DFW-ELP legs of the trip as they are 550 miles and 551 miles, but I think I am too cheap to but the SEA-STL legs, can you just request to upgrade part of your trip? or do you have to upgrade all legs? Treating the girlfriend for a weekend getaway and was wondering what would be best. I don't mind flying in coach, and really I am just trying to upgrade to impress the gal.

Also, what would you expect my chances of getting the upgrades flying on Sat returning on a Monday? I thought I would purchase 8 to minimize my cost.

You can choose to upgrade as many or as few segments as you like. Use aa.com or the automated upgrade assistant (telephone) and choose the segments you want upgraded.

Most people prefer to save their upgrades for longer flights and sit in coach on shorter flights, but there's no reason you can't do it backwards. That said, F is usually more "impressive" on longer routes, with meal service and such.

Upgrade chances on saturday are probably good. Mondays are more difficult, especially mornings.

Well, If you really want to buy upgrades, go ahead. Personally, STL-DFW is a waste. Such a short hop. But if you want to impress the GF, go for it.

You'll earn upgrades now that you are gold. Save those for longer hops when they serve a meal and where you have time to enjoy the serivce.

In El Paso? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

First, see above.

Second, thanks for being honest about it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Third, as has been noted before, don't bother upgrading the short legs. There's no meal service on either flight (too short), therefore an exit row will probably prove more comfortable.

On the other hand, springing for a few more upgrades for SEA-STL, with a "real" meal service, would beat 4+ hours in coach any day, IMO.

Can a gold member upgrade a companion?

Also, I'll again point out the F on a short hop is nothing special. Bigger seat. Coke in a glass isntead of a plastic cup. Big deal.

If you want to impress on the flight, upgrade SEA to STL. How many miles is that? I suspect it will take 4 or 5 upgrades for each of you.

1709/1706 depending, so 4 big ones.

lala

Yes.

BTW, don't forget that there's no guarantee on getting the upgrades. While you can request the upgrade at the time of booking, as a GLD you won't find out if you've gotten it until, at best, 24 hours before.

<<... really I am just trying to upgrade to impress the gal. >>

I recently impressed my friends when I was able to check us all in at the FC line when the main-cabin line was running a mile long. This benefit alone beats the short-haul upgrade.

yes, but you need to call and have their record linked to yours for that segment. the companion cannot get an upgraded boarding pass without you.