Since I don't want to start a new thread, and this one is similar, I'll ask my question here...

My dad (no status) will be in Europe this summer for a vacation. I'm planning on meeting up with him for the last week of his trip. I'd like to use a pair of my SSWU to upgrade the 2 of us on the return from Dublin to Edmonton. Since DUB-YYZ is sold as all Y, I will not take that flight. My thoughts are that I could fly DUB-LHR-YEG or DUB-LHR-YYC/YVR/YYZ/YOW/YUL-YEG (I could even possibly route via FRA, etc.).

We're looking at coming back Aug 29 or 30. Seatcounter is showing R9 on almost all trans-atlantic flights for both dates; of course this will change as the travel date approaches. I'm curious to know if anyone might have some advice as to what routing/date might give the best chance of an upgrade at the 4-day window. Routing through YYZ offers many more J seats, however there are also many more status pax travelling YYZ-LHR. The LHR-YEG nonstop would likely offer less competition from other elites, however there is only 1 flight.

Any advice that could be given would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.