Which is exactly what's in the future for us. This will eliminate certs and allow automated requests to be made at the time of booking/ticketing. Then when our upgrade window arrives, we will be confirmed based on status and where we are in the automated cue (perhaps adding another dimension of when booking was made). If I-class is not available at the threshold, we'd remain in a cue for possible last-minute upgrading. If confirmed, an email would be sent out. If not, then we'd go through the check-in/at gate procedures.

As for mileage upgrades, AC has steadfastly resisted and I suspect will continue to do so even though there is a STAR program providing for this among several members, which is supposed to be alliance-wide at some point in the future -- likely when the new res system (which also involves other STAR partners) is implemented. If it succumbs, look for this to be a relatively limited award: as with the STAR program, only possible from full-fare Y to J/C.

There are many new opportunities that AC has provided its elites and non-elites to upgrade, all of which are revenue-based. Latitude passes permit day-before, certificate-free upgrading into full J, not just capacity controled I-inventory. And one does not have to be elite to use this, just part of a company pass program.

Many of us here would not like to see any significant expansion of upgrading particularly with miles, as this would further reduce the certificate inventory.

So welcome, but given your wish-list, you may not find satisfaction...