Do not be sorry. You are 100% right. In fact, the international upgrade policies may be the number one reason for me to just go to the low bidder internationally. I have often planned my leisure trips (which are usually quick weekends around the world) based upon the route map of CO/NW/KLM hoping for an upgrade.

Since I now realize that upgrades are near impossible, I might as well go where I want, and not where CO flies, at the time I want with the low bidder, since I will be at the back of the plane anyway. At least when I get to my destination, there is a very good chance that Starwood will upgrade me to a lovely suite to relax in.

And since most other airlines in the world are associated with Star Alliance or OneWorld, I will probably end up Gold/Platinum with both.

I have a trip scheduled for early next year on CO and was told that it will cost me $900 (now presumably with fees $1300--plus miles) for a chance of an upgrade. Frankly, as a Platinum that is an insult. They want me to spend a lot more money for a CHANCE to use my miles. Forget it. No more additional revenue from me. Give the seat to a NonRev. (Mind you if they could sell the seat to someone at full fare I understand that). But if this seat goes empty or free to someone using miles--or a NonRev that would be tremendously upsetting.

Oh well, I will have a lot of time in the back of the plane to plan my next trips on OneWorld and Star Alliance.

Also, I am upset about international Q fares not getting full credit. Some of those fares are over $500. To not give full credit on those is further salt in the wounds of someone who will probably move elsewhere. It is one thing not to give full credit for a really low domestic fare, but for a reasonably high priced international fare, that is just another reason to stay away. Even Delta seems to classify international fares of this price in the fare categories that get full credit.