I was on YHZ-YYZ and YYZ-YEG last Friday and saw two very different (and contradictory) sequences to ordering. For reference, I was flying on a Latitude flight pass using the complimentary upgrade.

On the way out of YHZ in seat 3F of a E90, the manifest was referenced and I was singled out as "he who shall be asked first" (and by name I might add). Seat 1D and 2A were the next to be asked so some order was obviously being followed.

On the way out of YYZ in seat 2A of a 319. The order was 1D, 1F, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2F, 3A.... There's no way anything played into that sequencing as 2C was a definite SE passenger and commented on the price of his fare in way that made me believe it was full price J.

While my flight out of YHZ made me feel all special and stuff (especially the use of my name), the YYZ-YEG example has been much more the norm for me so far this calendar year.