You keep mentioning this, but it is absolutely not true. I have been nominated by Mrs. YVR over the last couple years (either as AC*E or E50K) and a couple times I have beat out other SEs (requesting themselves) for an upgrade when J=1. I was on a flight pass, they weren't. So my higher fare class beat them out.

Sure you are, you want your upgrade to clear first before anyone else.

Adding to that, everyone else wants their upgrade to clear first.

I really wish Air Canada would publish the upgrade list like other airlines. It would make the system more transparent and it may increase revenue as many hopeful requesters would be inclined to buy a LMU if they perceive they don't have a chance for an upgrade.

"So my higher fare class beat them out"

This is definitely the best way to secure an upgrade but not everyone is willing to pay it seems . . .

I have no experience with this, but it's been reported on here several times.

All I have to say is... yowza!

I am having great success with my (l)-atitude flight passes :-)

There's a difference between being reported because an AC agent has told us that's how it works and our own experience. Many AC agents/concierges don't even know exactly how the upgrades work, because AC won't tell anyone.

It's been reported on FT as anecdotal evidence.

We should send someone undercover to AC to figure this out

I'm also pretty sure we have an FT member who works in the right department at AC to know exactly how it works, but I don't think (s)he would be willing to share anything about it

I haven't used my e-credits to upgrade anyone else except for family. All my upgrades were from my wife's account (E50K) nominating me (~15). All except 1 were on a flight pass, most went to the gate (at T-4 or T-5) and on many of these flights I beat out SEs nominating themselves.

The only upgrade I missed was on a Flex (T) fare, and there was only 1 spot with at least 2 other SEs outside of me waiting for it.

It's not hard to extrapolate based on this.

Next year this problem will go away somewhat, as nobody (except SEs) will have nominees. With upgraded companions required to be on the same flight, I imagine we'll figure out how the system works pretty quickly. Hopefully the companions will clear with the same status as the Altitude member, otherwise you'll wind up with a lot of spouses sitting in the back!