partner miles on an upgrade

I'm in the middle of a disagreement about TPs and miles I thought I should have earned on a US airways flight. I upgraded a PHX-EWR ticket to first class the day before the flight but have been told this doesn't qualify for first class TPs or miles because......

"After verifying your claim for the flight (Phoenix - Newark) dated 28th May 11, with US Airways, they have advised us that the class which you purchased was G class only, which is Economy cabin and their records show that at the time of check in you upgraded your seat for a nominal fee to O class; which is in their First Class cabin. However, your fare was not changed and your ticket remained as an Economy cabin ticket. So in this case you will earn miles for Economy cabin rather than the Upper Class cabin."

I couldn't find T&Cs for this online but is there any way I can argue this. I flew in First Class, I wasn't aware that some first class travel doesn't count. I don't know if its worthwile since they'll probably ignore this. But one reason I upgraded was to earn an extra TP and get me to FC Gold.

Anyone able to explain this so I understand it?

Thanks ?|

[mitchja]

This has always been the case with US Airways, even back when America West existed.

Their last-minute & at-the-airport discounted First class upgrades have never qualified for the extra TP's/miles I'm afraid.

I have not flown USair but I have taken numerous Virgin America flights and the same is true. If you buy a F ticket then no problme you get the TP for F but if you buy the Y and then upgrade later you still only get the Y.

If you are short of 1TP then you should take a short flight on VX as even the $50 flight from SFO-LAX gets you 1TP.

of course this is not much help if you live in EWR area !!

Thanks all. No worries, it turns out I'll reach my renewal quota with a trip back to UK this month anyway.

Yes, SFO-LAX is a good way for cheap TPs, I keep hoping VAX will expand to NYC/BOS/DUI/BWI/PHI east coast routes.....

Cheers!

I'm also in the middle of a mileage/TP claim for US Airways. Haven't had anything yet, but when I upgraded at Madrid airport and again in Philly, I asked them to confirm by doing so whether my fare code would change and they said yes. Will wait and see..anyways it was last year's renewal period and I just made Gold again without it.