Originally Posted by
cerealmarketer
Complimentary upgrades are a joke on both airlines for their heaviest fliers unless you're nonhub.
Another question to ask is whether the Airbus fleet should become should become 12 - 16 seats in F with a reduced E+ cabin now that more of F is monetized.
UA flies hardly any non-hub routes, so why would it be "easier" if you're flying from a spoke into a hub rather than the other way?
Both airlines are pushing distance and fare-linked domestic F, and its at a price that may make a significant number of people buy it in advance. It seems like a more rational strategy than the "old school airline" way to pricing it super high.
I'm a sample size of 1, but I prefer a reliable and reasonable way to get into F rather than the lottery that even as a Plat I'd have trouble getting upgraded on even leisure routes.