If these flights are for business is there any corporate policy's for the airline/price?
What airline/airlines are you likely to travel on?
What ffp's are you a member of and what status (if any)?

For upgrades with airlines based out of the USA always expect to fly in the class you buy. It is only USA based airlines that give out upgrades like confetti for free (by status or upgrade instruments), or with miles-cash co pay. There is an expectation by many USA frequent flyers they deserve a (free) upgrade.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html