dg1, they always write on your ticket if you are upgraded. Many times it's just the initials "CHPR". As for pre-boards, nothing beats Florida flights. Half the plane gets on during the early boarding call. They call them "miracle flights" because when they land most of these people come flying off, somehow magically cured of their infirmities! As for elites, I noticed the other day at Newark that people were getting on along with them by flashing their Continental Chase Platinum credit cards, which look very similar to O/P cards if the agent doesn't check closely. Love it.