Originally Posted by number_6
Just remember that ordering a special meal generally eliminates any chance for an op-up, either Y-J or J-F.
Not true with vegi. I get upgraded all the time, on a number of airlines (must have happened about 15 times now) in OW and *A, often with the meal request not changing (i.e. I getted upp'ed and get a vegi meal in the higher cabin).
Occasionally I get told "we can upgrade you Mr Aisle Seat H so long as we take out the meal request", I then say "That will be just fine", and then when in board J or F I just tell the FAs that I want the vegi option (there always is one) and they reserve it for me. Easy !
If you know a flight is full and think the meal might stop you being upgraded, just say when you check-in "If there happens to be a chance of an upgrade today I am happy to cancel the meal request". This has worked for me too.