R and same day changes
 

I have no status, unless a sweep happens by Sunday. I am flying AC 739 YYZ-SFO on December 30. I am waitlisted for an upgrade (nominated by someone on FT). The flight is currently J2. Given that I have no status, I think my chances of a gate upgrade are low. However, AC 759 is a couple hours later, and still R3.

If R is greater than 0 on Sunday, and I pay the $75 change fee:

1. Does the upgrade request carry over, or would I have to get my nominator to put in the upgrade again?
2. If the upgrade is confirmed, does that give me J privileges like free checked luggage? (I will be checking one or two bags, which makes the effective cost $15-$50 if I get free checked bags)
3. Does the same day airport change have to be done at the airport, or can I do it online or over the phone on the 30th?

Thanks

1. It is supposed to. In the past, I've had it transfer seamlessly, but also the file has been screwed up and the nominator would have to call in to request the PNR be cleaned up.

2. You are entitled to priority boarding & security, but technically nothing else. In practice you get J baggage allowance (you can confirm this via OLCI), but not MLL access. The latter depends on whether or not the agent cares to look at your original fare class & status. I've had this go both ways for friends without status so I equip them with lounge passes.

3. Calling in to reservations they will have to process a regular change fee ($150 ?) + fare class difference. You have to do this after midnight online via OLCI, at the airport, or you can call a concierge if you're SE. I've done all my same-day changes through the concierge.

You may or may not get the option at OLCI, so your best bet is to probably just go to the airport and to it via check-in, and have your friend on standby if he needs to call in to clear the upgrade.