I want to know the exact process of standby for a flight. I am booked on a 1915 flight from YYZ to YVR and there are no J seats left for upgraade so i want to standby for the 1745 flight from YYZ. Even though Ihave travel a lot, I have never standby for a flight and with the Spill over from AC, flight are filling up quickly.
Couple questions:

1. If I am standing by, can I ask for an upgrade right from the beginning? What are
the success rate of that?

2. If I don't get upgraded on 1745, can I go back on the 1915 as a confirmed
passenger and again standby for an upgrade?

3. Usually, what are the success rate of being upgraded standing by for another
flight. I have 3 pax in my family including myself.

Thanks and let's hope AC doesn't go on strike causing us to lose all of R seats.

Regards,
Empress

1. You can ask, but very, very unlikely. Success rate for me: 0%

2. You are always a confirmed pax on the ticketed flight. When you check in, the agent will give you the Boarding Pass for the 1915 flight, and place you on the Priority Stand-by list. Your name will be announced over the PA if you clear the stand-by list is a good idea to check with the gate agent, or Empress Lounge attendant to ensure you all are on the Gold list. Make sure they have not put you on the list as Gold, and others as Club, as you may not all get on the same flight).

3. It really depends on the flight, route, date, time, etc.

Good luck with it!