Originally Posted by
Yarhead
DL's SWUs are hard to use.
As for upgrade percentage, I'm not sure which of DL, AA or UA is best. Perhaps others can chime in. As for quality of the product, both in Y and up front, I'm also not sure about the differences/intricacies. Hopefully, others can chime in on this, too.
DL SWUs are a pain internationally, less so domestically (only need K+ fare).
For JFK-LAX, upgrades will be tough anywhere. AA only gives UGs to 100K flyers and makes lower tiers apply with 5 upgrade stickers. UA requires RPUs (regional SWUs) for JFK-LAX. Delta includes JFK-LAX on complimentary upgrades but with a 16-person cabin, usually no one below Diamond/Platinum will get upgraded during business hours. However, a SWU puts you at the top of the list.
DL runs 757s with Business Elite and some Economy Comfort. UA is changing to 2-cabin 757s with Business First and some E+. Right now, AA doesn't have a "Economy Plus" product on their 767s, but should when they start their A321s in the future.