I had four upgrades this year all due to Skywards Silver status and overbooked flights.

Three times KRT>DXB (Lame J Class / 4 hour flight) and once DXB>JFK (nice A380 J Class / 14 hour flight).

All upgrade were from Y to J.

All fares were Saver and all at check-in counter.

Each time I tell the check-in staff that I am Skywards Silver and would like an upgrade if the flight is overbooked. On some upgrades it seemed like I would not have gotten it unless I did this. FYI...