First Time* eUpgrade User Looking for Advice
 

Hello All,

Tomorrow will be my first time using the eUpgrade system for a long haul flight. In other words, it'll be my first time using the system in the context of limited R space. Currently, the flight is showing J4 R2. I'm trying to upgrade my parents (i.e., 2 people). I take it my chances don't look great, but here's hoping I can be the first one to get the request in at the 96 hour mark.

Does anyone have any tips or tricks for these situations? Is there a standard clock AC uses? Is it possible to call instead of using the internet and is there any benefit to that approach? Know I'm grasping at straws here but it would mean a lot to me if I can get my parents upgraded.

Cheers,
AC888

*First time in the context of limited R space.

Precisely 24 hours times the number of day based upon your status. SEs, 24 times 7.

Presumably you have/had two spots on your list and you put them there or will shortly before requesting the upgrade?

I'm E, so I'm looking at the 96 (4 x 24) hour window. My question regarding the clock was trying to get at the exactness of AC's system clock. I know it sounds silly, but I don't want to click 'Submit' too early or too late. :p

And yes, I've entered my parents as my nominees.

Fingers crossed I guess!

You´ll only be able to press the "request upgrade" button on the AC website exactly 96h before scheduled departure time (with a possible 1min delay:p), you won´t be able to make any selections before that anyway (regardless of whether R is actually available or not), so no need to worry.;)

I have had quite good success with this. Make sure your computer clock is set correctly.

Navigate to the page to request the upgrade, and just keep refreshing it or switch tabs,(you don't want your log-in to 'time out') until your computer clock ticks over at the 96 hr point, request your upgrade then. It takes a few minute to go thru and think etc, and then voila....!

With R2 you have a fair chance, especially if it is R2 after the 7 day window has passed. It also depends on when the flight is, (day of the week) and what flight segment it is, this determines how many other E's are in Y waiting for that upgrade?

For 2011 I got 9/10 upgrades I requested, and one on UA that I did not even ask for!!!

Thanks, guys.

@DavidYYC, my computer time is set to synchronize with Windows' Internet time, so hopefully that'll be as accurate as it gets. Can you elaborate on the switching tabs strategy?

Its not really a "strategy" per se.
After logging in on the AC upgrade page I wait until the 96 hr mark to enter in the Booking Reference number because if you enter that number in before the 96 hr point it just says "not eligible for upgrade". I just keep logged in on that page until the 96 hr point and then enter in the booking reference number to request the upgrade.

Got it. Thanks a lot!

I login and just keep hitting refresh every few seconds...

refresh...

refresh...

refresh...

(my wife just shakes her head ;) )

Ever considered replacing her? :D

I usually call mine in. I prefer to deal with a human than a machine ;)

You mean you prefer to deal with a human who then has to deal with a machine on your behalf ;)

I sit on the other side of this issue. I would rather do these things myself. Rather than having to wait for an answer, having to explain, etc.

Plus, I always do my homework first anyway. I know which seats are available and which seat I want. Etc.

Or being lectured how to do it yourself online........

And remember if it's a US or Int'l flight you may have to enter passport info. So do that prior.