I'm not just posting this (completely) uninformed.. I've spent a few days perusing this site, CO's website and many of the CO Insider postings.

If I could get clarification/agreement on these statements it would be helpful, I think for me any everyone else... I am NOT an elite traveler. Just onepass.

1. I have a standard ticket (round trip) from EWR -> DEN in March.

2. I did the upgrade ($ plus miles) request and am now waitlisted for 1st class. It let me pick my preferred seats.

3. Right now there is just 1 seat of 16 in FC booked. So I assume I am FIRST on the non-elite upgrade list.

Confirmations:
A. What I understand is either 3 or 5 (which is it?) days before each segment I could be cleared for 1st class, in which I would be moved to the FC seat.

B. If I am not cleared, then 24 hrs before the flight the waitlist is dropped and I am AUTO moved to the upgrade standby list.

Questions:

Q1. Is there any affect on where I am on this list or getting cleared from the list if I check in online 24 hrs before the flight.

Q2. Is there any change when I additionally echeck-in in at the airport.

Q3. If Q2 is yes.. do I need to check in as close to T-3 as possible to move up on the list?

Q4. What (is there any?) effect of clearing me to FC if I check in online T-24 AND THEN also at the airport T-3. Do I need to do both?

Overall query:
I'd just like to know when I would be cleared to 1st class, when/if I would be auto moved to upgrade standby.

And finally, is my upgrade priority BEFORE the EUA (those who have a normal coach ticket)? I would hope so as I am paying $100 for the upgrade. I guess platinum, etc EUA may go before mine? What about gold/silver?

I assume once I check in to the airport (T-3) that I just continue to monitor http://pda.continental.com/PDA20/Fli...sGateInfo.aspx for my pos'n on the upgrade standby list..

thanks so much.

B.