I wouldn't consider myself a frequent flyer, but mostly thanks to a couple of overseas trips and Aeroplan's lower qualifying levels, I have qualified for Elite in 2004. I will probably never qualify for Elite again, so I'd like to make use of my S/SWUs to fly international business class, which I've never done.

My question is, can anyone give me some advice on a strategy to improve my chances of actually getting an upgrade? I'll probably only have one opportunity to travel overseas on a paid ticket this year and I want to make the best of it! I was thinking of flying YVR-LHR in April or May. Are there particular days of the week or periods during that time that I should avoid? I'm not totally set on LHR, so is there another route that might have a greater chance of getting an upgrade?

Thanks very much for the help.