Originally Posted by
garykung
your travel will not be frequently enough.
OP never states the frequency of travel, just the destinations.
OP: As others have stated, (a) UA doesn't fly out of JFK, and (b) in order to get upgrades on these routes, you're going to need quite a bit of flying. In fact, realistically, NYC-LAX upgrades can be difficult on any carrier, as the current business class prices are often low enough that the cabin fills up without any upgrades at all. (Business class starts at $300 more than coach each way on that route).
UA does not provide complimentary upgrades at any status level for any of the routes you've mentioned -- you need to use miles (plus a cash copay) or an upgrade certificate for any of them. You get your first two upgrade certificates -- which could theoretically be used on EWR-LAX/vv -- at 75K status miles and $9K in spending. You'll get more, including 6 that can be used on the routes to Singapore, China, or India, when you reach 100K status miles and $12K in spending.
All of these upgrades are capacity-controlled, and there is never a guarantee that you'll be able to upgrade the particular flight that you want.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
But, unless you plan to travel these routes regularly and have quite a bit of flexibility on travel dates, your best bet is hope for an inexpensive cash upgrade offer.