Specifically at the time the upgrade is first requested and is put on "the list"... I know that they say that the earlier you request an upgrade the better, but does the status of the passenger get notated at that point, when initially put on the list?

My situation: I want to request an upgrade on an LAX-IAD flight (June) using e-500's. Right now I am 2P. However, on a transcon flight Tuesday (LAX-MCO, 5/6), I will cross the 1P threshold (YaY!). Does status only matter inside the clearance window? Or would it be better if I wait until my status clears to request the upgrade to begin with... that is, I will be a 1P at the point of request. Or does it not really matter that early.



p.s. --Any hints on how long it will take my status to reflect? I need to reserve some exit rows!