Upgrade certificate
 

What is the protocol for using a space available upgrade certificate? I want to use them on my flights to/from IAH-LGA. I am connecting from my home airport to IAH. So do I get on the list when I initially check in at my home airport or when I get to IAH? And I should get to LGA at least 3 hours early, right? Thanks!

In my past experiences with SA upgrades, these certificates were very similar to using your miles to upgrade - i.e. you can upgrade at any time, as long as there's upgrade space available. You can check that availability at several sites mentioned here on FT, or easieast just to call CO and tell them you'd like to see if you can upgrade such and such flight. Just mention that you already have an upgrade certificate, so you are NOT using your miles. In all likelihood, the airport will neglect to take and you can use it on your return.
If your cert specifically says it can only be used on day of travel, show up early.

I'm not sure what your reasoning is for arrivng 3 hours early at LGA. If its to ensure you make your flight on time, I'd suggest you'll probably be safe with 1 1/2 hours, 2 hours advance arrival max, to clear security & get on your flight.

Now, if you need to present that cert at the airport in order to reserve an upgrade, then you should get there PLENTY early. I would suggest swinging by LGA the day before if you will be nearby to try to check in a day early (you can check-in 30 hours in advance online, so why not in the airport too?), and try to get on the list. But I'd call CO first (as suggested in the previous post) to see what they say. You just might save yourself unnecessary waiting time in LGA.

Thanks, I ended up calling Continental. The not so friendly lady said that I should call with the code of the certificate when I get it and she would move me to first class at that time. I hope so. I thought that I would have to wait until the day of flight, after all the elite upgrades, which is why I was thinking of arriving early.

depends on the certificate, if its a CCFC (GG ONE UP) then you can upgrade at booking if there is F class available, if not, then you can standby at the gate(after all elites get UG'd)

Thanks again for the help, I'll just have to wait and see! Though it's just me and one other person sitting in the premium seats other elites could have chosen the exit rows or book later.

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[This message has been edited by Terri77 (edited 08-30-2003).]