I was booked in F on the morning flight out of FLL, today, but, wanted to get out last night, and, since the last flight of the day was on an ATC hold, I took my chances. I got to the airport, tried to make the change and the rep. wouldn't let me switch for $25---she wanted the standard $150 change fee. I explained to her the Same-Day Flight Change rules, and, showed her my Gold Elite card to get the discount, telling her that I can switch within 12 hours of my flight. (6:35 AM changed to 8:10 PM the night before) I had to call the Elite Desk who then told the woman how to get it through, and, the worst part is that when I first got to the desk, she told me there was three seats left for an upgrade and I would get it because everyone else was silver, but, after this fiasco, first class was booked full. If this happens again, is there something I could have done that would have sped up this disastrous process?