If you're after extra MQM's you could try to force a connection in BOS or RDU. Not sure how medallion heavy those flights are through...probably less than DTW, and MSP though.

I thought ONT still had ATL service, but it doesn't. ONT used to be a fairly easy upgrade on a 757 to / from ATL.

A forced double connect is probably the biggest reason to exclude BUR and LGB if you're traveling to any medium-to-smaller city east of roughly San Antonio (like CMH, as OP is). Unless you simply don't care how long it takes to get where you're going. And further, that double-connect means your middle segment is going to be hub-to-hub, which is still going to be highly competitive for upgrades.

DM with Reserve. I'm 1 for 2 each way ATL-LAX-ATL this year. I missed 1 each way on Jan 25th (all seats filled both ways) and got 1 each way yesterday (Feb 1). Outbound I was #1 for 3 with an RUC and return #3 for 6 without an instrument All were on a V fare, Wednesdays. Flights 1802 and 101.

Last year I was 2 for 3 ATL- LAX on V fares (both UG's with RUC's). and 1 for 2 LAX-ATL (no certs)

As has been stated, it;'s a tough route - even with RUC's

Also, with the new gate swaps, they all seem to be T6 in LAX so no convenient Club.

ONT -SLC is 3 a day. I don't believe that SLC has direct CMH service so DTW or MSP would seem to be your best choices.

That's true insofar as it goes. Personally, I don't select RUC's as a Choice Benefit for two reasons:

1. At the Plat level there is an opportunity cost of 5,000 miles per RUC because the other option is to just take 20,000 miles.
2. RUC's don't create more upgrade space; they just shuffle the priority around among elites. I have a personal issue with benefits that don't cost Delta anything, but come off the backs of fellow frequent flyers.

That said, if I flew out of LAX or SFO and did some of those DeltaOne nonstops to JFK, I'd give you a completely different answer. In those cases, RUC's are like mini-GUC's.

Back to the OP's question. I don't think having the right Amex card is the problem. It's Delta ff program and the new reality of much fewer upgrades on popular routes like LAX-ATL. That is not going to change. The real question for the OP is whether he wants to continue to put up with Skymiles program as it exists now, or become an airline free agent. There are credit cards that can help with that such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the regular Chase Sapphire or just regular (non-Delta) Platinum Amex

Spot on.

I avoid LAX-Hub unless I'm going trans-Pac, where my company will spring for business class. We are blessed here in IND with a direct flight though.
The last time I got an upgrade on LAX-ATL, it was on a 777 and I sat across the isle from Robert Redford. He probably used a RUC.

So that would be Redford Upgrade Cash?

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply.

Some background ... I live in Long Beach, so LGB or SNA are options for me. I also don't consciously choose to connect through ATL. But ATL connecting flights usually end up being the lowest cost and best times. I will certainly start consciously looking for alternate hub connections. I also be more diligent about looking for flights out of SNA or LGB, I don't always because they are usually less convenient schedules and more expensive.

Our business travel is on the honor system, that we are spending the company's money wisely. So I don't want to be the one who screws it up for everyone by booking unnecessarily expensive flights. I appreciate the autonomy more than an upgrade!

I didn't choose RUC's, but I still have my 2017 Platinum choice. But 4 RUC's aren't going to go far when I'm flying transcon about 4x a month. I'll never chooses RUCs over GUCs for the Diamond choice. Honestly f I had realized how amazing they were I would have pushed to Diamond years ago.

I may give the Delta Reserve a shot. I currently have the Amex Plat, which I used Sky Club access, and my company covers the AF. But I could switch to the Reserve, and get that AF reimbursed instead. Or it may be worthwhile just to have both (I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve as well). I could use the Delta Reserve for the companion pass and also the MQM boost would definitely help, because I usually fly about 100K annually, so I'll have a hard time making Diamond every year.

Thanks again for all the input!

I think the other thing to stay on top of when possible is booking flights as far in advance as possible. This will allow you to secure the best C+ seats or exit seats on a particular a/c. Personally, I find that a bulk head exit row C+ aisle seat is more comfortable than certain window F seats anyways.

LGB only connects to SLC which gives you a double connect.

SNA is ATL 3 x 757 or MSP 3 x 319 (the refurbished are fine), single connections to CMH

So starting to put the advice into use.

Had to change my plans and am leaving CMH tonight instead of last night, so changed to landing in SNA vs. LAX. Still looking pretty dismal.
CMH-ATL 7 of 29 with 1 seat left
ATL-SNA 2 of 15 with 0 seats left

Booked a May trip
SNA-MSP-STL-MSP-LAX
So we'll see how that goes ...

Oh and I would only use LGB when I didn't have to double connect