Waitlist and Polaris
 

Not sure where this goes so feel free to move it. I spent time searching for R space for a trip at the end of August to the end of Sept. Failing that I decided to add places on both end of a trip to LIS. It's all waitlisted for GPUs.

If I am not upgraded until the gate, no Polaris lounge experience, right ?

You'll need a Business Class boarding pass to get in, so this is probably correct (depending on how mich time you still have left after getting your BP).

That is correct.

Don't lose hope - if there's significant J inventory as you close in to your flight, your upgrade will likely clear.

My flight to ORD->IAH->SCL had 0 R inventory, but 6/29 J seats available. Flight was Wed night, Polaris leg cleared early Sunday morning with R0 still showing Saturday night before I went to bed.

Got to ORD a couple hours early to check out the Polaris lounge. It's REALLY nice.

Good luck!