The worst is AA's new software program that ensures the $75 change fees are paid. Apparently a lot of travellers were requesting to pay the change fee at time of check-in, and sometimes agents would forget to collect it. I read in a newspaper article that AA's new system will refuse to print a boarding pass until the fee is paid.

I called last week to see if I could book some international trips using the system wide upgrades, the agent asked which type I had, I just said I am a 1k and had been issued 6 of these system wide up grades.The agent indicated as a 1k we could expected to be upgraded 100 hours prior to departure. I said I would then wait to see exactly how these system wide upgrades are going to work. Even being upgraded 100 hours in advance gives us an excellent chance of being able to use these to our benefit.
I would think the confirmed NA upgrades would have a higher value the the coupon books. But who knows?

Thanks for the analysis, PremEx! My own assessment put these babies at 40-50 500 mile certs, or the low-mid range of your estimate.

Here's a great deal: How about somebody lending me one of the systemwide upgrades, and I'll replace it whenever I can get my hands on another one. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Prem Ex 2000 credentials arrived yesterday, inc a note about the survey. Already had taken it, thanks to my fellow FlyerTalkers!