Originally Posted by flyastrojets
In response to the OP, you should always check in online as far in advance as possible. If upgrade inventory opens up, you will still get the upgrade. I've had this happen to me between home and the airport. If it does not clear, you can be placed on the airport priority list which happens to be ordered by check in time within your tier status. So your check in time can be as much as 24 hours in advance....which could make the difference for you in getting the upgrade at the gate if everyone else didn't check in until day of departure at the airport.
Thanks for this. I have one question. Assuming you check-in at the 24 hour mark, what time should you be at the airport to get yourself on the airport list? As an EXP checking-in 24 hours in advance, I should be at the top of the airport list, but what time do I need to be at the airport to claim my top place in the queue?