I have a Skywards gold card, but only very infrequently get upgrades on the JFK-DXB-JFK flights, even when it is obvious that they are moving people up. I am ticketed 50% of the time each in business and economy (per the contract I have with client). the business class leg is fine, but the economy leg is ususally a real drag (I'm very tall), especially when it is JFK-DXB.

Advice on how to more reliably get the upgrade would be most welcome! I almost always am dressed for the part (coat and tie) and am pleasant to the check-in person, so that can't be it.

I am new to this blog. interesting reading so far.