The Upgrade: Travel Better blog discusses American’s discounted business fares that include upgrades to 3-cabin first class.

Meanwhile, American is launching non-stop service from Chicago to Shannon, Ireland using domestic configured aircraft. As with their existing Boston to Manchester, England flights, they’ll use a Boeing 757 with 22 domestic first class seats. Only thing is they’re selling only coach for these flights, and providing coach service. But American and Oneworld elites can reserve these seats like any other. Not a great international upgrade, but better than coach, much like the Premium Economy products offered by international carriers.