Originally Posted by
EllaMinnowPea
Ok, so I'm going to keep asking the stupid questions as I'm new to this whole Elite nonsense too... All those people who are getting upgrades at the gate, are they people who requested upgrades through the website too? Do you always need to pre-register or whatever-you-call-it online to get an upgrade? Do all upgrades cost credits?
Sorry to be a pain, it's all so bloody confusing. I want to learn the ropes!
On a Latitude fare you can request an upgrade anytime and will get it if R space is available. Other Top Tier status and fare classes have different leadtimes and number of credits required. If R space is not available you'll be place on a waitlist and eitehr comfirmed as R space is released as the flight departure approaches or get the upgrade at the gate (the folks you likely see) - or not. These upgrades cost eUpgrade credit, yes.
You must always request the upgrade online (or call center), of course there are Last Minute Upgrades (LMUs) available for purchase when you check in, for those that wish to avail themselves, and also the occassional OpUp (true, free upgrade).
Read on and good luck!
W.