FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Understanding Domestic Upgrades - Clear time
Old Oct 4, 2021 | 2:12 pm
  #7  
findark
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Originally Posted by igotjays22
Okay this makes a bit more sense. So technically there is no "upgrade space" available even though there is 6 (out of 12) not purchased first-class seats. So those open seats will most likely clear by the gate agent?
Maybe. The computer might decide at any point to release some of those 6 seats as "upgrade space" (note: there is no inventory class corresponding to CPUs, but the computer has an invisible concept of "upgrade space") and clear a CPU. It's a balance between keeping elites happy, selling paid upgrades and last-minute tickets, and keeping seats open for reacommodation (e.g. if I misconnect, I really appreciate it when many remaining flights that day have some seats in F instead of all being given away as CPU).

Anything left over will be handled at the gate.
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