Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: MUC/LAX/SMV
Programs: LH, UA, BD, AA, NW, FB, NH, AC, Sixt, Hertz, Avis, *W, HH, Marriott, PC, Leaders Club, AMEX
Posts: 12,406
Since award availability is irrelevant when using a standby instrument, I do not understand the question. The relevant issue is the number of free seats in the requested COS at the time the upgrader and/or airline staff decides to apply the instrument, which can be hours or minutes to departure.