Lots of people on the MSP to RSW(Ft. Myers) buy the upgrades to C+ or First. I fly that route round trip a dozen or more times between September and May and when departing from MSP, usually do not get upgraded to C+ between November and April unless I use a RUC. I’m just as happy with an exit row seat so it’s not a big deal. I’m Diamond but won’t reach 1M miles until sometime next year.

My wife is flying on those same flights but her company pays for her First Class ticket and many people she sits next to are also corporate travelers that have a 2nd home in SW Florida. When I flew the MSP to RSW leg 10 days ago, I was 19th on the upgrade list for the two available seats in 1st class. Departing out of RSW I have a better chance as there are way fewer Diamonds compared to MSP. I try to use the RUC on almost every leg I fly during the year but 80% of the time I can’t redeem them likely because I have a relatively low number of lifetime miles for my Diamond status. When flying on the same record as my wife like we do when on vacation, her 3M miles often does get us the upgrade and it’s almost a sure thing if we use a RUC.