EP here and I picked the two SWUs at 175k last year, even though I don’t usually fly super long routes. Just got back from a trip to Kilimanjaro and this one absolutely worked out.
Flew AA metal to Doha instead of Qatar specifically so I could use the SWUs. Applied them both ways and cleared into business on the PHL–DOH and DOH–PHL segments. Both upgrades came through day of departure, but they did clear.
Had long layovers in Doha on both ends and spent time in the business lounge, which was great. Made the wait way more tolerable. Side note, if you ever have a long layover there, the airport city tour is actually worth doing.
This was one of those rare times where the SWUs really felt like a huge win.
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