Originally Posted by
fly747first
Pretty sure there are some small airlines out there that do give their top-tier members many free long-haul upgrades. For example, LATAM's Black Signature level offers unlimited upgrades within South America (including the longest flights operated by widebody aircraft) and 14 free segment upgrades outside of South America.
LATAM's program is no different than AA's in that regard. Unlimited comp upgrades within their local area and a set number of upgrade coupons awarded at certain status levels that can be used on any other long haul flights. Both of which are only available on a space available basis 1-2 days before the flight.
If there's a program out there that's going to upgrade me purely because I have status and a seat is available, without using some type of instrument, on a true longhaul flight between the US-Europe or Asia-US, etc., then I haven't found it yet.