Originally Posted by
TheMadBrewer
I've done LAX-JFK-XXX with a GUC about 4 or 5 times and I've always cleared the TATL leg in advance and never cleared LAX-JFK before the gate (and once not even at the gate). I've also used an RUC on a JFK-LAX 6 or 7 times and I that has cleared in advance a couple times but mostly goes to gate (I don't usually use a GUC on the return)
Assuming one is going to Europe for vacation and not work, I think I'd rather fly out of one of the several other southern California airports, where upgrades (complimentary or via certificate) are more attainable, or at least route from LAX through say DTW.