EWR/LAX upgrade probability
 

I'll be flying EWR/LAX and back frequently this fall, probably on Tues, Wed and Thurs. What is the likelihood of getting an EUA upgrade on a CO flight (if I didn't already get an instant platinum upgrade when I purchased)? As a CO Plat, are my odds of getting an upgrade any better if I fly JFK/LAX on a United flight? Thanks!

If you fly the UA PS routes, your chances will be very/ very good if willing to use miles/instruments to upgrade.

While CO EWR-LAX and vv is very time dependent, I'd say your odds are far, far, far lower on the EUA relative to PS (with instrument of course)

By "instruments", you mean the Regional Upgrades I got from CO at 75k miles? Thanks.

Exactly - that's the best possible use of them short of flying HNL-ORD-AUA or something crazy like that, esp. since CO doesn't allow them on the BF flights to HNL.

If you are talking about the free upgrades, there is zero chance on the United flights from JFK to LAX if it's a PS flight, as they don't do the Unlimited upgrades on them. If you use miles or something else there is a chance.

On EWR to LAX, there's a chance just not a very good one, as that's a very elite heavy route.

My friend and I cleared LAX-EWR on a mid week red eye about 3 hours before departure. I was surprised really.

However, take PS JFK/LAX. SO much better of a plane. And upgrade is VERY easy for a 1k - the only thing is you have to use your CR1's, which is very much worth it. You will be much better off than the very uncomfy CO F seats. You can also use miles which isn't very much and no copay for elites. Totally worth it on this route.

If you will be flying mostly on Tues and Weds then your chances are much higher and if you fly in mid-range fares as in W or higher then I would gamble and say you will clear at least 50-60% of the time...

Be smart on which flights you pick, avoid the 752s, and check the F cabin/Y cabin elite sections to see how many seats are occupied... I know seat maps are not a positive indicator of how many people are actually booked, but it gives you an educated estimate of how many people are booked...

Nowadays, elite of all levels can pick the exit row so it is harder to guess who is in the Y elite section. We are talking about UA, right?

Was talking about CO on EWR-LAX :p