Originally Posted by
flying_geek
Hmm, is it fair to assume that Gold - published benefit or not - typically does allow seat selection? In particular when it comes to TK, TQ, SQ and I guess BR?
You can ask and you might get lucky but, if they are following the rules, the answer is usually no.
Seating benefit is usually only when flying the metal of who you hold status with.
As far as upgrades are concerned - while free upgrades might be a NA thing (AC certainly has some) - are there no miles for upgrades options? Do none of them earn some upgrades over time? And if so, I would imagine availability greatly varies by airline/program?
You can apply for an upgrade with miles and some programs also offer upgrade vouchers of some sort.
Just don't expect complimentary upgrades, they are happy to let premium seats fly empty.
If lower cabins are over-sold you might have an increased chance of an op-up, but it depends what other elites are in the same cabin as you.