Originally Posted by
SFflyer123
I am relatively new to the upgrade 'game', so please let me know if I am misinformed.
When you submit for an upgrade as a 1k using cr-1 or SWU, you go on the PA list if NC=0. When you do the same as a 1p, 2p, or 3p, you go on the PB list. Somewhere, sometime, in cyberspace, IM will clear the PA list first, then the PB list second, and these lists are based upon first-on, first off. If a 1k sponsors a 2p with a SWU, that 2p will still go on the PA list, no the PB list because of the 1k sponsor.
After this is done, they then turn the list from IM to DM and go to the e500s and upgrade according to the status.
Is this a correct understanding of the way upgrades priorities work?
Pretty much. But the list is not turned over from IM to DM "after this [clearing the PA and PB lists] is done." It's done at some point within 24 hr prior to the flight; there could well be people still on the PA/PB lists at that point, so they would then become part of the DM list. Furthermore, IM "dribbles out" NC/NF space over days, weeks and months prior to the flight, and if there is anyone on the waiting list(s), their upgrades clear on seemingly random dates prior to the flight. Finally, I think (correct me if I'm wrong!) people who have requested upgrades with e500s are put on the PA/PB waitlist at the appropriate window (e.g., 72 hr for a 1P); if NC space is available, the upgrade clears immediately. If not, NC space
might become available before the list goes to DM (this often seems to happen to me the night before the flight) and the upgrade clears at that point.