Originally Posted by
manneca
I use them for TPAC. I'm 100% for this year (and for mileage upgrades). I fly midweek and usually look for R space, but even if there is none, I've gotten the upgrade. My last flights (miles and copay) had confirmed upgrades several weeks in advance.
i'm generally using for leisure, so my dates are a bit more flexible and using the above. all of my work travel is domestic. i'm either confirming at booking or clearing off the waitlist with some time in advance. i've had one battlefield UG for EWR -> HKG where I was 1 of 2 gate clearances.
i've been successful for all of my own applications of GPU/SWU for the last nearly 5 years of usage of these instruments using the above methodology. the higher fare class will also help edge out. from the battlefield clearance, i flew on V and my brother who missed, was flying on W.