Originally Posted by ReluctantCanadian
... That said, the upgrade situation seems a little mean -- only being able to upgrade one day in advance rather than four days for an Elite (like me) with a latitude fare or seven days for a Super Elite (which I will almost certainly be next year).
I'm not sure I'd call it mean. If you have any flexibility in choosing your flight arrangements, you could argue that you have a very high probability of getting an upgrade without using a certificate.
Also, I've been told by several check-in and gate agents that it's not permitted to use certs to upgrade flights booked with a pass. Are they misinformed? They have let me do it, but I've been told I'm technically breaking the rules.
This is what the AC web site says: "If you are not able to confirm your complimentary upgrade online you are welcome to standby for an upgrade at the airport, but using an eligible upgrade certificate."