I have a more-than-simple (maybe it is simple for you FTers) upgrade question:

My parents have been generous enough to pay for the flight to OGG via HNL from IAH for my honeymoon. My dad is GS and booked the flight through his MP account. I have my own account that until this year was 1P status. This year I have no status. My Fiance also has no status. They paid for us to be booked into a coach seat, and then is going to be requesting an upgrade for the both of us using GPUs. My question(s) is as follows:

1. Can he request upgrades for us with GPUs despite the fact we are not his designated GS "companion"? The GS desk agent first misunderstood him and said he couldn't use RPU unless he was on the flight (correct) and then said he could use a GPU but seemed unsure.

2. Will we be considered based on my status or his status (as he paid for the tickets) on the upgrade list? I am unsure because I have always booked via my MP account

3. Do GPUs clear before paid/mileage upgrades?

4. The flight is June 30, so if he requests the upgrades now, will we not be cleared until T-24? Do GPUs ever clear sooner?