Let me make two things very clear on this statement

"I hope you are not saying that somehow Aeroplan will tell me the reservation they already gave me will not be honored."

(1) Your confirmed reservation is honored unless you've been involuntary denied boarding, which they will look for alternative flights to accomodate you.

(2) Since you have selected Y class on your return journey instead of a different routing, date etc in J class at the expense of using J class mileage, you have waived the right to AP/AC in flying J class back. AC is better than other airlines in the sense that they will do their utmost to try and upgrade you until the last minute but cannot guarentee and have a process to follow. Other airlines will require you to change the booking instead.


unfortunately J upgrade will be a last minute decision made by the gate agent or during check in by the check in agent........

Air Canada and Aeroplan will only honor it if there's excessive seats in the J cabin available which is then given out first by status, booking class then time of check in. Unfortunately non-revenue seats such as Aeroplan ranks very low and by the time it gets down there, many or most seats are gone.....

All i suggest is check-in online early, if the upgrade standby button is available during OLCI check that, if not go to the airport early and check in early, good luck, dress well, be a little early, be friendly and try to impress the gate agent