In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,856
I have my own set of rules on when to upgrade. As my travel is > 95% domestic, I don't have to worry about large copays.
Rules:
1. There must be more than one flight (preferably three)
2. At least one (preferably two) must be a meal flight
3. Hopefully, at least one is a widebody/has enchanced seating (widebodies, intl. style cabins)
4. No upgrading with miles routes that should easily clear with free upgrades.
However, if I had 300,000 miles I'd try and plan a RTW or something similar before I started thinking about upgrades.