I also fly this route a ton and get upgrades nowadays more than 50% of the time as a plat on low fare classes. So YMMV.

Thanks for all the replies. I am switching to #548 and we'll see what happens. Really, I am going in with no expectations. Que sera, sera.

(I haven't been to a horserace track in 15 years or more. If I ever do so again, I will be sure to bet the #7 horse in the 5th race and I will post the results here. ;))

I will say the transcon upgrades are getting easier the last 2 months -- I cleared over 24 hrs in advance both ways on a low fare on my last trip -- was even upgraded to the last available seat.

No international business class connections on that morning flight, and sun morning westbound is not prime time so at least that is going in your favor but still among the top 5 toughest upgrades in the system.

That's good to know. Most of my recent transcons have been on PS but i have a few ahead of me and i'll likely take CO for 'em. I wonder how long it will last though.

Till the economy gets better, I'd guess. That is, for the next few years or so :(.