Using points or vouchers for upgrades is the only sure fire way of getting into a higher class of travel other than actualy paying for it in the first place. Some programmes are simpler than others. AA has a voucher system for its top tier fliers which works very nicely. I’m on a £300 ticket to San Francisco in a fortnights time and I am in First and Business Class all the way through because of the level of business I give AA. Works for me! 😎

Likewise myself… I am 1K (Gold) with UA, and I’m doing LHR-LAX and return in March, paid £321, upgrades to business class already confirmed both ways by way of two of my “systemwide upgrade” (SWU) e-vouchers! 😀

Andy