Originally Posted by
skywardhunter
Once OLCI opens no need for award inventory. You can upgrade based on any seat being available. Op-up is an operational upgrade and complimentary. No miles. If you want to ensure you get an upgrade pay with cash or miles.
As for Gold in Y, it helps but beware that priority is first by fare type (Flex Plus before Flex etc) and within fare type by status. Personally as Gold I've found I can still get upgraded on Flex fares but it depends completely on the route, time of year and pax profile. Some routes (e.g. heavy on business travellers) are likely to have more Flex Plus pax (and more status pax in general).
i used to think this was the case but not if the flight is busy.
I flew back with antdentale from here, I was in F he was in J. 2 seats left in F they wouldn't release them...even in the lounge.
He got the seat at the gate and miles were deducted. Same thing for a friend travelling back from Cpt - only got the upgrade at the gate and miles deducted.