This. At least for TATL flights for me.
Originally Posted by
canopus27
My personal choice has been to pivot my purchases to PE. This is partly because PE has a higher priority than Economy, so if you don't get an early upgrade and it goes to the gate then you're higher up the list with a PE ticket. The other factor motivating my choice is that if the upgrade doesn't clear, then with a PE ticket you at least have a PE seat; more space, better service, etc. If you're looking to avoid an economy seat, then purchasing a PE ticket is a good way to do that.
And, if it's an MR or you have flexible plans, sometimes the discount between PY (PE) and J can be pretty substantial. And occasionally PY Flex isn't that much of an uplift but obviously gets you higher up the gate upgrade list.
But, although not in the spirit of this thread, as many have said "If you want to fly J, buy J".