I usually book Flex or Latitude fares. When checking in, I often buy the upgrade which is often heavily discounted. From YOW to YYZ, on a latitude fare, it's often on $70. It's less than an hour flight, but for $70, it's worth it. I've had it for $250 from YEG to YOW.

This is my first year making elite status, so I have a number of e-upgrade credits. What I'm unsure of is what to do and when to do it. I'll be doing a lot of travelling between YOW and YVR next year and I'm wondering if it's best to pay for the discounted upgrade at check-in or use the e-upgrade credits? Any insight? You can only check-in 24 hours before the flight so I'm not sure what options I'll have or what's best.

Any thoughts?