Originally Posted by hudath

Looking for some tips on eUpgrade strategy for flights from Toronto to Japan for 2 tickets in early September. We plan to book PY and are looking to maximize chances of securing an upgrade.
I have 35k status and the difference between PY low and PY flex is about 400CAD. We are fairly flexible with the exact date and even location within Japan.

• When I look at the eUpgrade waitlist ranking criteria, it seems very unlikely to me that the PY flex fare makes a difference, especially considering that I only have 35k, is that correct?
• Does it make a difference whether we book our flights to NRT or somewhere else in Japan like KIX? Are there some routes that are less likely to be full / less likely to have many other status members?
• I noticed that some flights have planes with fewer J seats than others. Does it make sense to try and book a flight with more J seats? Or not really something that matters?
• Since we are flexible with the exact dates, is there any general rule of thumb which days of the week tend to be less / more busy from Canada to Japan / Asia?

I realize that it is a lottery at the end of the day but would be I appreciate any tips for maximizing our chances!