Adam, Sorry I didn't check back on this thread, but to answer your question, here goes.

Upgrades on Taca are provided on some sort of automatic/magic/luck/persistence basis. As a Platinum, I am to be automatically upgraded 72 hours out if space is available. Every so often this actually works on one or more of the segments. It always helps to send an email with your routes and Distancia Number to their elite (Horizontes) desk asking them to review the computerized process to be sure that you weren't left out, this can get you one more upgraded segment if that department answers your email before your flights. Then it is on to the battlefield where depending on the counter agent you may be blessed with an upgrade if they are in a good mood, or they may send you off to the gate saying that they have put you on the upgrade list that they never show you or explain what order they add to that list. At the gate the first answer is usually that the upfront cabin is completely full before they even check their monitors. After some prodding, it may be possible to sneak into a seat that "magically" opens up. If not, upon boarding you can go sit in your 23E noting that there 3 or 4 empty seats up front, and some of the others are taken by Silvers and Golds.

Of course these problems are only with-in Central America where SJO-MGA RT, or the TEG-SAL RT could be $500.00. If you are coming from LAX, SFO or JFK, you may get the upgrade because it is the first time you ever flew on TACA, and are laying out $299.00 RT.

I hope that helps and good luck.