Until recently, its been a relatively easy to decision to pay for an upgrade on CRJ-700s. If I'm traveling by myself, I check to see if an "A" seat is available. I the only seats available are on the 2 seat side and I'm by myself I tend to stay in coach and hope for the upgrade since the 2 seat side is a little tight on space. If I'm traveling with my wife, I look for the 2 side to be open. Lately, the decision is not as easy since the delta between coach and first fares has been rising lately - a good sign that traffic is picking up!