Upgrade list without checking in
 

Have an issue checking in and have to do so at the airport. If I'm not there by the time they process the UG list will I be excluded from an UG?

You won't be on the upgrade list until you have successfully checked-in for the flight (the coupon status for the segment must be CKIN). If you check-in after upgrades are cleared, you will still go onto the upgrade list, but the probability that F is full by the time you reach the gate is higher; you wouldn't get upgraded unless someone no-shows, misconnects, SDCs, etc.

Even if you have to check in at the airport, the "A" answer is be there before they process the UG list. ;)

That said, many flts don't get 'processed' until maybe 30-45 min out. Sometimes even less. Not sure how late you plan to check in but I have been as tight as 30 min before a flt at the TA counter, placed on the list, and got the UG.

Was afraid of that. I'm doing a turn so I can hit DM before my next (much longer) trip. The outbound was delayed by nearly an hour and I SDC'd to a flight that puts me in only 38 minutes before departure. Same plane so no risk of misconnect but would prefer to sit up front.

Can you check in by phone? You're clearly within 24 hours.

Nope was on a plane. Tweeted but they said they couldn't do it because I was in flight. I'm 1 on the list though so hopefully someone no shows... Didn't make it in time for the first clearing.

I got it! Thanks again for the replies and assistance from this soon-to-be DM!

This sounds like you were lucky. You're required to be checked in at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure time, more in certain airports or for international.

Very lucky. Gate agent said he saw me and was waiting for me to check in but I didn't so he processed the list, understandably so!

And you're welcome. Even though your inbox is perpetually full. :-)