I too was told more than once (and to my surprise) that I was already on the airport active list. Actually, with the new system, it seemed to me that everything is truly automated. If you are Medaillon (I am PM but I presume it works for all), the mere fact you have a ticket automatically gets you on the upgrade path. So far this year, all my upgrades have come through, even the last minute ones. That is not to say that there will not be trouble in the computer!