Originally Posted by StuckInYYZ

I think in this case, it is a valid set of questions. In this case, "best" is really a subjective evaluation by a given purpose... What might be best in your opinion might not be best for someone else. When you leave a question too open ended people will naturally try to narrow down the criteria.to form a direction to go.

Case in point... Some of the airlines in the US insist on making sure their seats are maximized, so they will push their elites (automatically) up a class or two so they can fill their value seats. vs. Air Canada who generally requires you to use an ecert to upgrade. Both have their pros and cons but depending on the reader, one is likely better than the other for that person. Or another aspect, If you are a member of a *A NA-based airline... then you want to fly inter-regional Asia... which membership works best is up for debate... the possibilities are very open for debate.

The person you are responding to might be annoying to you, but in this discussion, he does have a point (it's not as if the question is "which airline program is better for last minute upgrades, UA vs AA"... )

Originally Posted by MiamiAirport Formerly NY George

There's no stock answer. Much of it depends upon the airports you are traveling from/to. Also, your specific elite level. For the US3 being at the bottom tier basically means you will rarely ever see an upgrade. AA requires the 2 lower levels to use either earned or purchased stickers. While UA and DL do not that means lower elite levels will always request upgrades thus lowering the chances of getting upgrade.

Finally, in the US airlines are increasingly monetizing the domestic first cabin meaning less upgrades, even if you're at a higher elite level. I can very easily see free upgrades going away at some future points. Airlines are leaving too much money on the table.