Sorry to rain on the parade. Our March trip DEN WAS was impacted by a mechanical delay. 2 DMs, 1 SM, 1 GM travelling on holiday.

Flight delayed 3 hours. Instead of booking us via another route, CVG/ATL/DTW, the agent booked us on the later flight and then we found that she had put us in Y with no upgrades. Don't mind the Y badly for short flights, as it reminds me why I get status, without really hurting me! (Last long Y trip was 2 years ago and this was a short flight anyway - intl J/F spoils you)

Checked EF while in (UA) RCC lounge in DEN terminal B, while I was getting a coffee and discovered the problem. Called the DM desk and was told that since our bags were checked in there was no option at that time. I put it down to NW/DL integration, but my wife had asked her about her experience and was told she was a 10 yr employee! Next time I intend to print out an EF for the route and be ready for upgrade options before the GA.

I was not paying attention as we were on holiday and I notice that when with family I do not worry about times as much as I do for work. I am not going to say that I deserve the upgrades (I am happy when I get it and OK when not) but when a better option exists to route us, the GA should at least put minor thought into the matter. Still got 10k miles each for 200$ fare with all the bonuses.