Q. If there is a discount fare offered, it's almost always for economy class. Is there any possibility that it would apply to the same flights in business/first class? My fiance and I are flying from Moline to Honolulu in mid-January for our 2-week honeymoon. Should we book in economy and use our United miles for upgrades and hope there are seats available when we go? Or use whatever miles we have for First Class seats on the 2nd leg and pay the difference? And what the heck or non-redeemable Elite miles? This will be our 1st time redeeming miles of any kind.
A. Flights that have economy class tickets being sold at a discount do not necessarily have discounted business class tickets available, because there are far fewer business and first class seats and they go "on sale" far less often in our experience.
Elite miles that are not redeemable, means that the miles count toward elite status, but are not credited as miles that you can use later to redeem awards travel. (Usually because they are miles flown on a discounted ticket) And in fact, some types of tickets will earn you no miles at all. (Usually tickets purchased at a deep discount, such as those from Priceline's "name your own price" program and other fare consolidator sites)
As for how to use your miles for your travel, find out what's even available for your flights and take it! It's become increasingly difficult to use miles for awards travel.
When making your reservation, mention your honeymoon. Perhaps you'll reach a reservation agent with a romantic bent who'll do you a favor!
Have a great time and congratulations!!