I updated eight segments of a 17 LONE4 booked in February last year to First (AA) and Business (QF) using AAdvantage Miles and Qantas FF points.

FWIW, BA op-upped us on two other segments including ORD-LHR.

Two weeks ago I ticked another LONE4 and have already upgraded on 2 of the AA segments; another 8 upgrades planned (QF/AA) for this itinerary.

Since BA charge high levels of Fuel fine and one can only upgrade on any of their flights if they ticket I am not planning to book intercontinental BA flights on xONEx's.

Yes, BA admits they are more difficult. Most OW airlines interpret the rule to mean you cannot buy upgrades on sectors (logical) but do allow award upgrades for their own frequent flyers on their own metal. BA does not.

henkybaby, who did you speak to at BA? If it's the RTW people I wonder if BAEC would give a different answer. And not just a theoretical answer. If you have the ticket and call BAEC do they actually check the fare code - or do they just look at the booking class?

I was recently amazed to disover that I could upgrade a BA ticket that was booked using a fare discount code. It wasn't doable online but the agent on the phone just looked at my booking, saw it was booked in I class and did the upgrade.

BAEC Gold desk, BAEC NL, BA Reservations Department and my friendly BA agent in MRU.