Originally Posted by
ChurnieEls
I know everything is YMMV but it's hard to see it as 'the biggest benefit' unless you're a CK and could hang your hat on an upgrade clearing. Even at EXP level it strikes me as a nice to have, unless you're really putting time into game planning your flights for upgrade potential. Especially given the deterioration in cabin service standards on short hops, there's not a huge amount of difference in 8A and 4A on a 738 between MIA and CLT imo.
There was a time not to long ago when as an EXP you could count on an upgrade rate of 75%-80% better. As far as upgrades 4A will always rule over 8A even if the lazy FA stares off into space during boarding. Not to mention the number of times it's taken nearly an hour for take off in MIA when storms are present. I'd far rather spend that time in 4A. That being said AA (and other airlines) are conditioning us to pay up if we want to be up in front of the plane.