Join Date: May 2004
Location: formerly Gold now Diamond, formerly MSY, now LAX, formerly NW, now DL
Programs: Hyatt Plat, Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Delta Diamond/1MM
Posts: 4,635
If I were you, don't ever expect an upgrade domestically, so when it doesn't happen (I'm often still in economy as diamond). So the rare time it happens for a SM, you'll be thrilled. Expected, you'll be disappointed lots.
Internationally, no one gets upgraded without paying for it, certificates that only DM gets, or if they severely run out of economy seats and have business seats open, which is not very common anymore either.