As an Elite, I have been wondering how to use my system wide upgrades.

With CP, these upgrades could be used in North America for the same fares as the North American stickers. This of course is not true for AC.

I do not plan to (because of expense, and other factors) book an overseas Y (or M - non European destinations), so that I could upgrade, using these certificates.

What is the Y class fare for a typical MHD (compared to a J class fare). Which route (from Ottawa to let us say Mexico City) would allow us to potentially upgrade as much as possible on AC, on this triangular route? How much will J class to Mexico City to LA add to the Y class fare on all other segments (on AC)? How easy is it to upgrade on AC on the following routes: Toronto to Mexico City, and LA to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, or Toronto - on weekdays, and on weekends, for Elites?