A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 102,617
$1800 is a very reasonable price for a ten hour flight in business class.
If you just buy an upgraded D1 seat (vs refaring or using a GUC), do you get D1 lounge access? I don't think you would if the GUC were still waitlisted to possibly be upgraded at the gate. OTOH, purchasing the upgraded business class or domestic FC seat does mean that you get a free checked bag.