Originally Posted by
FWAAA
No, it does not negatively affect the upgrade request; in fact, quite the opposite. Every minute you don't check in online is a minute that someone else with your status can check in ahead of you, and they will get the upgrade before you do.
You should have checked in at the 24 hour point. Not doing so will practically guarantee that you're way down the list.
Completely agree, always check in at 24 hour point if your upgrade hasn't cleared. I have found one negative side effect - if you are checked-in (via OLCI) when your upgrade clears, you cannot choose your upgraded seat via aa.com, it is chosen for you. You can only get it changed when at the airport - but hey, you're upgraded! If there is only one remaining seat left then this point is moot