hi,

have previously experienced op upgrades with/without seat allocation; with/without internet check-in on single sector flights but never on multi-sector flights.

am wondering when do op upgrades clear? need to decide whether to collect boarding pass during transit in hong kong (nearer departure time) or boarding pass at the first airport, i.e. op upgrades processed X hours before departure time so if you collect boarding pass too early - you miss your chance?

thanks,

They often upgrade people who already have their boarding passes. As you are boarding, when the agent tries to feed the boarding pass into the reader, it rejects (indicating that you have been upgraded). They then quickly issue a new boarding pass for the upgraded seat (takes maybe 30 - 45 seconds) and you are on your way.

have never had my boarding pass rejected at the gate. all the times i've been op upgraded have been at time of check-in.

will bear that in mind...

Put it this way, I don't think there is a clear formulae for Op upgrade. Some gets at the gate, some gets at the check-in. Some gets without internet-checkin, some gets with it. Some are lowly tour excursion people, where most are elite members.

My point is that simply because you've never got it at the gate doesn't mean you were left out from the game. I feel that if you possess appropriate status with CX (or OW say), then you will be treated fairly so don't worry.

I suggest you obtain your boarding pass at your first port. The airline will only op-upgrade those who already have checked in. The lucky draw might be done on spot (ie. WHEN you check in) or it be done before you board. (ie. at the gates) I would say you might have an agent approach you at the lounge (presuming you have an access) during your transit and give you a new boarding pass, who knows!

Good luck. With the summar travel season, I bet your chances are good on long-haul routes.

yes, lucky draw is an apt description. i was hoping to rig the draw to increase my chances. :-)

It's happened to me twice on multi-sector flights. One time, my boarding pass was rejected at the gate; the other time, I received a new boarding at check-in.

Good luck!