One of the GA's joked about only upgrading who they wanted.

Ha-ha-ha. That's hilarious*

*it's not hilarious at all. Sad, actually

They thought it was funny. Me, not so much.

Additionally they talked about how some of their co-workers weren't so quick on the draw when it came to changes in procedures and it was certainly going to cause some headaches.

Not on your flight but as an SE your ok unless a SEMM is on the list. You also have other SE with other fares. If you ask the concierge he or she can give you a good idea.

I flew on a United flight out of SFO today, and was gazing longingly at the comprehensive information that's given to united flyers ... from available seats to upgrade lists to standby lists.

Maybe when I grow up, Air Canada will trust me with that information too.

Lets hope AC bought the system from UA, that system works. If AC has used anyone in its IT dept to develop the system it will never work.:p
The real losers to the new system will be employees, the gate will not be able to put customers second.

Hopefully, but we'll see... As for amazing IT, I wonder if the new system will allow the AC employees who are supposed to be put into J class when space remains. I can easily see a case, where the developers fail to program that feature correctly and they are stuck in cattle class for the whole flight.

Come on, folks.

Let's put that one to rest. Gate agents have not been able to do that already for quite a while.

A man can dream, a man can dream.....

OK here is what I was able to confirm this morning both in YUL and YYZ concierges'. They (concierge) are going thru the new gate training first, some today as I type this and will be completed by the end of next week. Apparently, the new automated "Gate Agent System" is to cut back on training cost in training more CSA's that can control flights. They will no longer have the ability (GA's) to override the system in reassigning seats, and/or duplicate seats etc...all this will now be done by the system. So for example if you wanted to change your seat, AC expects you to do onboard with the FA's assisting in moving paxs around. Same will apply for upgrades etc and also accoodating any non-rev paxs (cons) as well. Essentially they will no longer have any manipulation powers etc. The concierges will have a different sign in authority which will allow them to continue to do the same stuff they are currently doing for J class paxs and SE's and MM'ers.

How the hell am I supposed to bribe a GA with timbits to clear my upgrade now?

MM doesn't entitle you to the concierge, does it?

No MM doesn't get entitlement to concierge... nor did SEMM imply that.

He kinda did "J class paxs and SE's and MM'ers"

Given that IMO most concierges go out of their way NOT to help international J pax (unless you are SE) I think that group can be excluded also.