Absolutely - I will check to make sure upgrades are available. I certainly wouldn't spend additional money on H fares if I can't get upgraded!

Isn't buying someone else's SWU a bit dodgey? I've read stories of how various airlines wouldn't honor the SWU even when it was with the person who earned it!

So no other way on any *A carriers? Funny, the H fare I priced out on UA metal was around $2500, I can't imagine what it would cost to upgrade on *A if an H fare is "cheap"!