I'm Platinum OP and my understanding is that CO never upgrades flights from US to Europe (or to Hawawii for that matter).

Is that correct?

And if so, is the best strategy (other than paying for it!) to use System Wide Upgrades? I got 4 SWU's from last year. If I booked EWR to PAris for example, can I use my SWUs? It would be 2 passengers, so I assume that would use u pall 4 upgrades.

Also, can you do it on Award travel or only on cash tickets?

Any other suggestions are welcome too. Thank you.