Johannesberg in 2002
 

I am part of a small group planning a meeting outside the USA next May. I missed a recent planning session where the group decided to go to Johannesberg.

Three years ago, this was an effortless trip because I could layover in Zurich with a friend then take SwissAir business to Johannesberg.

Unless I misunderstood the Delta agent today, I can upgrade an economy ticket to Paris but that would do nothing for the 10 hour AirFrance flight from Paris. If I use SouthAfrican Airlines, it seems I can upgrade such a ticket only to New York from Oklahoma City.

Is there another alliance on the horizon that might alter this scenario or am I missing something obvious? If not, I may just use SwissAir if our group will not go somewhere else.