On a recent trip SFO-HKG HKG-JFK I was lucky enough to get op-uped Biz->F on the outbound, but not the return. I'm wondering how common this is, and whether it is a function of the route.

SFO-HKG F was pretty amazing, one of the best flights ever, but HKG-JFK Biz was a littke below expectations. Seat was just a little too small for me to strech out, the seat controls were slightly broken (one of the controls was crossed with the adjacent seat!) and I felt like there was not enough staff to respond to requests or serve meals promptly...everything was a bit slow. And really not enough food served for a 16 hour flight...they ran out of the snack service items. Surprising. But overall the flight was OK, no major problems.

t

cx is very good at recognizing OW elietes
how common? it happers often enough for me

I would say your chances are remarkably well. I was op-upped from Y to J back in 2003 LAX-HKG when flying to BKK on an airfare of $168 out the door. That was an Expedia mistake when you were able to book 10% infant fares (anyone remember this one?). I was also op-upped on the return BKK-HKG leg (though that was the 'regional' business class, so not too great). Two weeks ago I was op-upped from J to F HKG-MEL flying on miles. I was AA EXP on both.

One to thing to always remember is that CX will only op-up when the flight is oversold, and not because you are AA Exec Plat.

And if they have to op-up should they need to, remember the pecking order:
CX IN, CX DM, and (sometimes) CX GOLD, OW EM, OW SAP, CX SILVER, OW RUBY.

MNL-LAX CX900/ 882 ( October 30 )---- I have been uphgraded from C to F MNL-HKG-LAX . CX told me that Emerald is higher than CX gold when they upgrade. I dunno , but that's what they told me I already asked 3 agents already in 3 different occassions about this matter. But maybe it depends with some passengers who have had different experience.