FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,040
Op-ups are something that even the most frequent of flyers only see one or twice per year at best. Not only does your ticketed cabin need to be oversold, but there is a variability to the upgrade process that ensures that people - no matter how VIP - can't buy PE with the expectation of flying UC. You can "improve your odds", but that's like buying 10 lottery tickets instead of 1.
I know that upgrades are something that people dream about, but there's no way to ensure yourself an upgrade other than paying in advance or at the airport...
One of the most disappointing things that can happen to a suitable top tier status member is to notice a sold-out cabin and STILL not get the upgrade on the day. Never expect, and be happy when it happens...