Originally Posted by LAX UA 1K

I usually have my travel agent make the resevation and then call the Diamond line to ask for the suite upgrade. They will adjust the rate if the upgrade is confirmed so there is some advantage to not just booking the rack rate in case you can't confirm the upgrade. Often reservations has to message the hotel and it takes a day to confirm. Unless it is a very busy time (convention or special event), I usually get the requested upgrade confirmed with a day or two.

For international properties where discounts are small (and rooms are often small, too!), this is my favorite benefit. Domestically you can often get rates that are so much cheaper than rack that the upgrade doesn't make sense.

Charles