Originally Posted by
con brio
Lately I've been flying to MCO quite a bit and have found myself upgrading the ORD-MCO segment with 500-milers to avoid the Mickey Mouse Clubs in Y. I also try to use them on transcon or redeye flights. This got me thinking:
How much do others value their 500-milers? How often do you use them and are there some routes in particular when you make it a point to upgrade?
I'll either use them on shorter (1000 mi. or less) legs or use them when I book a transcon within the 100 hour clearance window when there is no advantage to use a CR1 or miles. I used to think that a short leg flight wasn't worth the UG but after spending several flights sitting on the tarmac for hours with weather delays and the FA kindly opening the bev cart, I rethunk the strategy. Now I only UG the short hops at checkin if available.
ORD-MCO should give a good meal. I've flown several ORD-JAX mainline and had decent food and that segment is longer.