u/EducationalMoose8529

I'm shifting my short hop work travel to American from United (NYC-BOS etc).

I have to book through the work travel agency and the travel policy is to book flexible economy.

I want to end up with a first/business fare so that I generate the subsequent Qantas status credits. I'm close to lifetime one world gold there.

• The agency won't let me use personal funds to pay for the difference in fare cost.
• Paying for an 'upgrade' through the American website or on checkin doesn't reissue the ticket into first.

Anybody have any clever ideas on how I might be able to end up with work paying for the economy ticket, then me being able to pay to end up with a business/first fare class?