Intl Complimentary Upgrades

[MaxCollins]

Confusion abounds (on my part). Hopefully someone here can help.

I should finally get Silver status later this week. Just in time, as I'll need to travel IAH/EWR/FCO/ALG/TUN/... and IAH/CDG several times over the next few months. Have not bought these tickets yet.

My questions:

Are complimentary upgrades to BF available on international travel? Some of the threads I've read seem to say they are, some not.

If yes, how should I book the tickets to maximize the chances of getting moved up?

What are the odds of actually getting upgraded on IAH/EWR/FCO or IAH/CDG with Silver?

[Nugget]

The only situation where you can possibly get a free bump to BusinessFirst on an international flight is if the flight is overbooked and the coach cabin is full. This has only happened to me twice as a "co star" platinum elite, once NRT->IAH and once CDG->IAH. It's certainly not anything you should count on. I'd say the chances of a Silver getting a battlefield promotion are virtually zero.

Upgrades are only available as mileage-paid on the higher H/K/Y fare coach tickets.

You'll still be elgible for EUA on any domestic segments in your booking, of course, so the IAH to EWR first leg might see you bumped to first class.