Originally Posted by 18sas

I'll have to say that I clearly prefer DL's method here. Especially since there is a strong inverse correlation between time of ticketing and fare class, i.e. the highest priced tickets are likely going to be the latest purchased.

And time of check-in would seem to punish those flying non-stop. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a pax can check-in for all segments of a multi-segment leg 24 hours prior the initial departure, right?

I wouldn't worry too much about DL eliminating upgrades on some fare classes. We had that many years ago (only K+ fares were upgradeable), I don't think they'll go back to that. Unless everybody else does, and then DL would probably follow suit.