Originally Posted by
mahasamatman
Even outside the window, it's status and fare paid for everyone using upgrade instruments.
I don't think that's correct. There is a "priority list" for elites and certain instruments but it seems to me it's chronological on that list and on the "non priority" list. Once you get to 24hours out or so it switches to status, fare paid, time on list, hair color, star sign, etc.
Even before that, during the UDU window, it's only by status in the sense that higher status get first shot at any open seats. If there's already a wait list I think they have to wait until the 24 hour point (or so).