I am on a DXB-JFK reward ticket-- F out and Y inbound.

At time of booking only F flex outbound and Inbound was Y Saver and J Flex avail. I figured I would changed the inbound to a J saver closer to the time if it came avail.

So today I check (flight is today) at T -7hr and Saver Biz avail-- I tried to change over the phone and told once travel has started only can change date and this is from Jan 1.... So I figure I will do at airport or lounge-- just tried at lounge and Reward Tickets are "blacklisted" from upgrading.

These may be in the "New" rules but I dont recall seeing anything like that-- although I am not claiming it is not there. Just a warning really to all that the change of class cant be done after the outbound.

I hope that you got an opup at the last second???

I have now researched the rules on "upgrades" and Reward tickets are not valid for upgrades at airport or on board.

I could not find the "new" rule that no change of cabin after outbound sector is flown.

Looks like Econ will be 396 of 399. 30 minutes till flight closes-- hoping for a large family walking up for purcahsing Y seats :-) . But I am sure there is also a "new" rule that forbids reward ticket holders to get an op-up.

Reactivating this old thread.

What are the current rules for upgrading an economy award ticket with miles? Is this possible?

Not permitted but may be done on board on a sector by sector basis.

it worked for me twice, in my opinion it is permitted and I dont see anything in the T&Cs which would say something else (alright, maybe a Economy Saver (N) is only possible at check-in but a Flex (or is now called Flex+ as there is no change fee etc?) should work)