[GP_Matt]

Any chance a seasoned Air Canada Altitude flyer can help me to maximize my benefits.

I received 35K status last year so I have been enjoying access to the Maple Leaf lounge and skipping the line at security/boarding the plane.

As part of the deal I also received 30 e-upgrade credits and want to take full advantage of them.

My wife and I are talking about taking a vacation in the fall and have never flown business class before so I would like to try to make sure that I can use these upgrades to do that.

Am I correct to understand that the way to use them is to book a flight that is available for upgrade then apply for the upgrade with your credits and hope that someone doesn't pay full price and take the seat you wanted?

Are there some destinations or times that have better odds than others or perhaps routes that have better planes to really enjoy it.

We haven't planned anything for the vacation yet so we are quite open but considering Central America, a Caribbean sun destination or possibly Europe.

Anything else I should know? I flew a lot last year but it may be years before I fly this much again so I want to cram it all in before going back to the regular grind at airports.

Thanks for the help