Monday 2/1 flying DCA to MKE was my first experience with the auto upgrade (I've been flying longer routes and upgrading with 4 credits for the last several weeks). I arrived at the gate about an hour before the flight and approached the GA, saying, "I realize it's a bit early, but can you tell me if you have BC inventory for elite upgrades?" (planning to come back at the 40 minute mark if necessary). I was pleasantly surprised when he confirmed my last name and handed me a BC boarding pass that was already printed, and mentioned he had paged me a few minutes earlier. ^^ (I was enjoying a cold beverage at the Sam Adams Brewhouse on the other side of security and did not hear the page.)

When the flight departed, it appeared to be less than half full, and there were two open seats in Biz.