I am getting ready to book a DC to Bangkok trip for March, and just recently made it to MVP status on AS. My problem is that I am required to book my travel on a US flagged carrier's flight number. So while I can fly Cathay, I have to book via AA.

I can pay $200 for an AA Platinum Challenge, but all that will get me is lounge access in HKG. Is there any way to challenge or match my way into a possible upgrade on a CX operated flight? My employer will not pay for biz class, but they will pay for an upgradable economy fare.

I've run out of ideas, I'm hoping someone here knows a trick somewhere.

There is no 'trick'. You need to start from zero Asia Miles like the rest of us.

Your chances might be better if you join MPC. That's $50.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/15321393-post12.html
Read from 10.1

Then you may try to ask for a status match to at least MPC Silver.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/catha...tus-match.html
With CX MPC Silver, you get lounge access when flying on CX.

Then each and every time you fly, you need to book on CX metal, CX flight number and credit your miles to MPC/Asia Miles. Then your upgrade chances are better but never guaranteed. If you book on AA flight number, your chances of any possible op-ups are greatly reduced.

Thanks Guy. That's what I guessed. Sadly, I am not allowed to book on CX due to the "Fly America Act", so it makes no difference.

America, first in the world at subsidizing mediocrity. I may as well just book on United and load up on ambien.

So book on CX with AA flight number. Like I said, there is a chance but don't expect it. You may try to do it the other way with AA Plat challenge, and with AAdvantage on a AA flight number.

Your chances of being op-up'd is better on AA/CX than on UA. Besides economy on CX is so much better than on UA's anytime.

If your employer allows you to buy an upgradeable economy class fare, then why don't you opt for the new Premium Economy fares/seats?

Although op-ups receive a huge amount of discussion on the CX FT board, I don't think that should factor much in your travel planning under the circumstances. I agree with Guy Betsy that booking an AA-coded, CX-operated flight in Y is a more comfortable option than Y on UA. Beyond that, I wouldn't bother with any complicated contortions to get status solely in the hope of an op-up.

Actually what makes most sense to me in this case is to book UA and pay out of pocket for Y+. It's not a huge charge and it's the space you'll care more about on such a long hall if you're stuck in the back.

Agreed, it's a waste of time to worry about OP ups at this point. You'll be in the back choose a plan that is best for that situation and paying the upchrage for Y+ on UA seems the best option to me.

You might have better success trying to get an AA codeshare with JL as compared to CX. Downside is longer routing such as IAD-ORD-NRT-HKG or something similar.

Just a thought, I haven't checked if this is possible.

You cited Fly America Act. In other word, you are either a Fed or a contractor. Given the flexibility of your ticket (Well...I am correct still, a Fed can't fly on CX on official business. Period), you are mostly likely a contractor.

I can think of a method that works - but you won't do it (and probably can't do).

If your company allows you to book your ticket from AA directly, then you can purchase a full fare AA-codeshared CX flight from AA directly. As soon as it has issued, call back AA reservation and do a fare up (Yes...no pain no gain...).

As soon as no one else in control of the ticket (but AA), AA can do pretty much what you want.

The only downside - no upgrade by miles.

BTW - in your case, status or not, it won't help you at all.

Still sounds like UA will the be the best option. They wont be getting an upgrade and it's fairly cheap to upgrade to Y+ on UA. It's not the way i'd ever travel but given the concerns and price points it's really probably the best option. And agreed getting status on AA wont help much at this point. Put that 200 bucks to one of the seats for upgrade on UA