I had no luck at all with sticker upgrades on the HNL trip this weekend. However, on the way home, the check-in agent somehow reassigned me to Row 33, back from my original Row 13. When I spoke to the Empress Lounge agent, she referred me to the gate agent who was able to move me up a few rows. By the time I got back to the Lounge, the gate agent had left a message that she'd found my original seat. Just a couple of minutes before boarding, she came over to me and said that she might be able to get me an upgrade. 3A back to YYC . Sometimes small miracles happen.

YYC immigration were a little supspicious. When the agent saw I had only been away for two days, and that I'd flown through YYC rather then YYZ, her comment was "Well, you've got some explaining to do". When I told her that it was a for a weekend away and for the FF points, she was clearly very sceptical. Nevertheless, she didn't flag me for a secondary, so I guess it was OK.

On another note. I didn't have my new Elite card, but had absolutely no problem getting Lounge access on the strength of my boarding card showing status.

I agree with backseat. I wouldn't want to do this as a regular mileage run, even with the seat sale. A late night departure time is pretty wearing,