I have a related question:

I work for US and am going to NRT from LAX or SFO in July on a ZED pass with either UA or DL (whichever looks most open within about a week of leaving).

Can anyone shed some light on UA's and DL's cabin upgrade policies for OAL ZED riders?

Alternatively, I'm also looking at flying to HNL on my company, and then DL from HNL to NRT as the flights are completely wide open to Tokyo from HNL (mid-July). With a wide open flight will DL upgrade ZED pax automatically? Luck of the draw? Non-rev upgrade fee?

Last year I flew UA SFOKIX and after politely inquiring as to a possible upgrade, was met with stiff and undeniably rude opposition at the thought of it by the counter agent and was told that I needed, and I quote, "a first or business class ZED ticket". Yet, co-workers were upgraded automatically on an LAXSYD trip on UA. Go figure.

Thanks.