Originally Posted by
UAPremierExec
Buddy @ FL said its safer to always ask at the gate podium at the 40 minute mark for the upgrade, as the gal in MCO did put Non-revs in Business while I was still in the exit row.
I have noticed a lot of inconsistencies with how the elite up program is administered in different airports.
There are cases where I have approached the podium at the 40-minute mark and they already filled the elite ups that had requested it. Other times, I ask ahead of the 40-min mark and am told I'll have to come back up at 40 minutes before. Still other times, I go up and ask, and they have already processed my upgrade and hand me the boarding pass.
So, it's best to ask as early as possible to see what they say.