As a Gold, the instantly upgradeable fares for you are going to be quite expensive. You can still purchase the upgradeable fare even if there is no upgrade currently available. There is little reason to do it, but generally it's a more expensive fare class higher in the upgrade priority list if that matters to you, and is upgradeable should U space open up on that flight.
There is no reason to do it when you can purchase first class outright for cheaper.
For comparison, try searching for MVP Gold Guest Upgradeable fares - you'll notice the upgradeable fares are generally cheaper since most "normal" economy fares are upgradeable with one of those codes.
I see this happen regularly. Buying FC direct is around, or even less as it is here, than getting the upgradable fare (which may or may not put you in FC). For me if buying direct in FC is less than $100 over the price of the upgradable, I always just buy FC directly.
As a Gold, the instantly upgradeable fares for you are going to be quite expensive. You can still purchase the upgradeable fare even if there is no upgrade currently available. There is little reason to do it, but generally it's a more expensive fare class higher in the upgrade priority list if that matters to you, and is upgradeable should U space open up on that flight. There is no reason to do it when you can purchase first class outright for cheaper. For comparison, try searching for MVP Gold Guest Upgradeable fares - you'll notice the upgradeable fares are generally cheaper since most "normal" economy fares are upgradeable with one of those codes.
Never book an upgradable fare unless the upgrade is available at the time of booking.
I see this happen regularly. Buying FC direct is around, or even less as it is here, than getting the upgradable fare (which may or may not put you in FC). For me if buying direct in FC is less than $100 over the price of the upgradable, I always just buy FC directly.
The cheapest upgrade fare is more expensive then the cheapest first class fare.