Originally Posted by
Syzygies
I'm pleased that you think there's no game here. One can be most effective in a game when everyone around is sure there's no game. And you may be right (I asked for your hunch) but I've watched so many upgrades just miss, the idea of being up one fare class for $20 is very appealing to me. I've kept records of all of my flights since 2005 (in part for tax purposes) and I do seem to do better when circumstances forced me up a rung or two in fare class.
You have no idea if the extra $20 you are spending every time is what gets you the upgrade. I'm glad that you feel justified in giving CO extra money for your coach ticket; I know I wouldn't.
Yes, the folks who buy more expensive tickets are going to get more upgrades. And buying the K fare instead of the T would probably increase the chances significantly. But that isn't a $20 question. It is generally much more significant - $220 in the examply you provided. I suppoose it becomes a game of just how much you're willing to spend because you think it increases your upgrade chances (something that I do not believe you'll ever be able to prove). Since, in the real world, the number is nowhere close to a $20 incremental price I'm even more opposed to paying it.
It is a game with vague rules and no ability to determine whether you actually won or not. Doesn't seem like much fun to me.