Based on my own experience, the 3 hour EUA still gets processed the same way if you check in for your flight over 3 hours in advance.

I did this for a trip from EWR-IAH. I checked in 3 1/2 hours before my flight at the kiosk and was advised that I have been placed on the FC waitlist.

I hung out in the terminal, had lunch and went to the PC for the rest of my wait. However, since I lost track of time at the PC, I ended up having to rush to the gate to get onto my flight. (I totally forgot about the 3 hour EUA.)

I then boarded and took my seat in coach. Low and behold around 15 minutes later, another passenger shows up with the same seat assignment as I had. Then it dawned on me....I must've been upgraded! I took my belongings and spoke to the FA who checked with the gate agent and she came back and told me that I had been upgraded and what my seat was....

I really felt stupid for not checking before boarding....was just too concerned about not having the storage space for my belongings...

------------------
SFnFlaGuy

[This message has been edited by SFnFlaGuy (edited 10-28-2002).]