JIMBO... That is true about the e-tickets.
In fact, that is true (when lines are short)
at the UA first class and Premier counters.
I am normally done in about 3-4 minutes.

If you are using a certificate I would warn
the reservations person you are calling to
CONFIRM your tickets before leaving that you
have an upgrade certificate and have them put it in the system so the agent can find it quickly.

ANOTHER CAT TIP: While waiting on the line:
Get the ticket, your FF card and I-D out
early and hand it all to the agent. Also
if you plan to use upgrade certificates have them handy to just rip them and get on your way.

Of course for any of this to work there should be enough agents at the special windows and lines not dragged out with EVERY
level of ff member. (I babbled on separate check-ins before!) CATMAN