I'm 0 for 4 on international flights this year simply because I could not get an M fare as the lowest fare (which I am requried to buy). I always try many booking "tricks" to get an M fare but none has worked this year.

For my flight next week thru CDG, I was able to buy an M ticket but I'm on the upgrade wait list there and back.

The sad part of my 0 for 4 experience is for 7 of the 8 segments, the flights were 99% full with only a few open seats in coach.

Fortuantely, I figured out to only claim one of my choice benefits. No sense claiming SWU's and starting the 1 year clock on SWU's I can't use.