We always upgrade using miles for flights over 3 hours.
Last summer we were going to Vegas.
The best seats on a plane are Row 1 seats A-B-E-F. We were excited as we knew we had seats 1E and 1F.
When we got to the airport and checked in, we found our seats had been changed to row 2.
When I inquired as to why, I was told a handicapped passenger needed the 1st row seating. That was fine with me, and I totally understood.....
Until I boarded the plane...
Who was the person that took both seats 1E 1F?
None other than Charlie Rangel!!!!
That is when I started boiling...
But such is life when you are not a rock star or a Congressman! LOL
Row 2 is better in domestic First Class because you have much, much more legroom! The airline did you a favour and stuck Charlie in row 1. Count your blessings.