That may make more sense. Out of curiosity, when you have Gold status in any airline, what has been your success rate of an automatic upgrade to a higher class? I understand on some airlines you get complementary preferred economy, but for me I am more interested in an upgrade to business or first.

I have never gotten an upgrade before, so I'm not familiar with the process. In your experiences (anyone can answer this), what are the chances of getting a full class upgrade in Gold status and Platinum status (on any airline programs)? Does one program give more free upgrades than others? Does one stand out in the domestic or international upgrades, etc?