*Should* is the key operative here!

Honestly though, I have had SIGNIFICANTLY better upgrade percentages with S4 status than with FO status, which is sad. Too often, I see an S3/S4 collect the last seat up front because the folks on the waitlist have already boarded. The flaw in the system is that a seat is considered "Checked In" once the BP is issued, even if the person misconnects or takes a later flight. When they finally cut them loose for not boarding at the end, the only people waiting for seat assignments are the NRSAs who make out like bandits.

Personally, I have gone 1 for 9 on upgrade eligible segments this year. Managed to upgrade a lousy 733 on LAX-LAS back in February. The other flights have all been L fares or CRJs.

I did manage to swing an operational upgrade on an L fare at DFW last week, but I demanded to be downgraded since it wasn't "Simply Good Business". I taped the encounter for everyone's amusement. ( http://www.angelfire.com/ga3/mendis105/delta2.wav )