I'm an Aeroplan Elite member trying to use an SSWU for an upcoming transatlantic flight.

When I called AC, they said that they can put me on the waiting list for an upgrade, even though there are still 17 seats left in Executive class.

Now, is the priority determined by the order the passenger made the upgrade request? Or do Super Elites get priority? Does the fare class make any difference (I've got a V class ticket)?

SEs have priority over Es even if they are put on the wait list after an E (i.e. between 2 and 4 days). The waitlist will likely be visited by load controlled just prior to the P 2-day window opening, and upgrade inventory could be released. If that occurs, all SEs on the list will clear first, then Es based on when they were put on the list. Any remaining seats would be available for Ps to take when their window opens. If the wait list remains through the P upgrade period, but upgrade inventory is released the day before the flight, the priority will still be SEs, Es and then Ps, all based on when they were put on the list.

However, if the list does not clear prior to flight, on the day of flight it all starts again from scratch. The new waitlist will be based on when elites checked in and asked to be put on the new list. Priority will go to revenue passengers and those holding W space on D award tickets, based on status. Then cert upgrades will go to SEs, based on when they checked in, then Es, then Ps.

BTW what does the back cabin look like. They may not be releasing seats in the front if the flight is overbooked in back, and if that's the case, you might get an opup when you check-in. These too are processed by status, but are generally preprocessed when a flight is overbooked and noshows are not expected. That list is prepared by status, irrespective of when one checks in, as it is all done hours before the flight is to depart.

If you provide more details of route, date, etc. we might be able to provide a better idea of how the flight is likley to clear upgrades.

When I went thru the same questions recently I was told

The waiting list you are on is valid only until the day of the flight. ON the day of the flight a brand new list is created with all SE first and then Elites. Elites are then ordered according to the fare (ie you will be higher then someone with L). In case of a tie in status and fare they are ranked according to time of check in.

As far as I know there is no such rules for the pre-day of flight waiting list but SE do get priority.

If the priority waitlist doesn't clear before the day of the flight, be sure to web-checkin 12 hours out so that you get to the top of the day-of-flight upgrade standby list. Definitely worth staying up late the night before my YYZ-SYD flight.

when upgrades are done at the gate it is in order of status, then by fare type, then by time checked in at.

Just an update on this flight. I'll be flying on Sunday, January 1. Right now, it seems as though Y class is sold out (or overbooked) and J class has 14 out of 25 seats remaining.

Just keeping my fingers crossed!

You don't mention if you have status, but I think you are in pretty good shape for free champagne! if the cert is yours and not gifted.

DF

Yes, I've got Elite status.

What flight are you on ?

Jan. 1, 2006
AC457 - YOW to YYZ 15:00
AC880 - YYZ to CDG 18:45

And is there an easy way of checking seat inventory?

Economy is not soldout as seats are still being sold. It shows J9 C9 Y1, I think you have a good chance of an UG. I would call the AC reserv( a couple of times) and speak to different agents. I have done this and some are nice enough to tell me my position on the WL.

Yep.

However, many gate agents do not follow this "suggested" method.

I will post later what happened with the upgrade situation on flight AC141 YYZ YYC this past Monday. I get mad thinking about it, and I KNOW that mtacchi won't be too pleased either.

If you were on this flight and were SE, E, or P and sitting in Y (which was oversold), then I'll tell you that there were non-status op-ups that got your J seat (oh, and before you politically correct members of this forum jump all over me for assuming that I'm assuming -- I suggest holding your opinion before until I after I post the details).

I am not surprised YYZnomad, and I look forward to your posting. ^

And, oh, YOWflyer, please let us know how it all went !

I've double checked and can tell you that no status members (SE, E or P) sat in Y on the flight that you were referring to.