US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-2005 America West merger) - Envoy to UK? some questions

Hi, I don't post that often but do frequently read the threads. Some great ideas and posts have come. Thanks everyone.

I have Gold status and travel back and forth each week (DCA-LGA) with the occasional trip to the midwest and Texas. I am considering making personal travel plans to go to the UK and while I would typically fly BA to LHR, I am really tempted to try out USAir internationally. I know US flies to LGW, but I cant resist some of the fare they are offering before 12/31. So, my series of questions:

1) If I purchase off the US website a fully discounted coach fare to fly from DCA to LGW (via PHL or CLT), what is the probability that I will be upgraded (as a frequent flying Gold member: please note that I have don 53 segments since Feb)?
2) Does USAir frequently upgrade people at the gate..should I choose a route that may not be heavily traveled i.e Manchester?
3) Is envoy fairly comparable to BA Club World or is it better?

Any suggestions would be appreciated on the upgrade. I am 6'3" and hate flying coach long haul. BTW, I got NOPED on the CP 6689 promo cause I wasn't targeted. That stinks.

3) Is envoy fairly comparable to BA Club World or is it better?
I don't think it's as good. It's comparable, for sure, but I think it suffers for the comparison.

The Envoy seat doesn't go flat, unlike the NCW seat (which goes both flat and horizontal). You get more privacy on BA with the layout of the cabin.

Personally, I think the catering on BA is better (uhh, historically, not including the Current Woes) as well: with a choice of appetiser, for example, and named wines on the menu. I also prefer the BA snack service to the really naff pizza in Envoy.

On the other hand, the A330 AVOD is better than BA's in-flight entertainment system.

I think it is a very slim chance to upgrade at the gate. They will also not sell last minute upgrades at a dscount for international flights.

No question that BA Club World is far superior to US Envoy. Huge difference in comfort, service and (usually) food.

Be careful what fare class you book. For transatlantic flights, only Y,B,M,H,Q and V are upgradeable.

How were you planning on upgrading? With miles, you probably won't have a problem, but may not clear until you reach the gate. Some people here have had luck upgrading using upgrade coupons purchased on eBay. If you are hoping for an operational upgrade, good luck.

Yes, it should be easier to upgrade going to MAN rather than LGW.

I don't think V is upgradable TA anymore...