Originally Posted by
superweak
One last comment - I've never quite bought the "higher chance of clearing an upgrade that you really want" argument; presumably the upgrades that you "really want" are the upgrades that everyone else "really wants." Perhaps there's some improvement in availability on 2-3 hr flights, but will your upgrade chances significantly really improve on PHL-SFO with stickers? I doubt it. (Yes, there will be fewer upgrades on CLT-DCA, whoopee.)
I'm PLAT and am one fight shy of 100% in the past three years on MIALAX, an elite heavy route served with a lot of widebody/lie-flat equipment and a meal/on-board product similar to what US tries to pass off as trans-Atlantic J. I fly the route very often.
I'm also over 90% on JFKLAX, and I am 100% on BOSLAX and DCALAX.
DFWLAX is the hardest upgrade.
When companions aren't getting free upgrades, it changes things drastically.