Okay - so here's my story: I live in NYC, I big and tall 6'3" 220lbs, I have family in Europe and long flights in coach just cramp me up from my legs to my style I fly enough that I have elite on both United (Silver) and American (Platinum). I also fly to Austin, TX and hate the fact that all UA flies in there are the little pinner regional jets. I don't mind paying slightly more for my tickets, but there's no way in hell I'm gonna pay thousands of dollars for a biz class / first class seat. The only method that I've tried which has 100% successfully gotten me upgrades is to buy the VIP or 100k+ upgrades off ebay. My question to the forum is, given that I put in so many miles if I commited myself to one airline who should it be w/ the best possibility of getting International upgrades?

I will insert a caviat that I absolutely loathe Continental . They have screwed me when the chips were down and I pretty much refuse to fly them. Still, I'd like to hear all opinions on this matter as I'm truly interested .

Thanks!