Originally Posted by
jhayes_1780
While it makes no difference, as there is no available award space.... there should be no change fee as it is the same routing.
There would be a fee if they wanted to go FRA-IAD/ORD/LAX-SFO.
FWIW, to the OP.. I would stick with the current schedule, as there would be absolutely no guarantee you would get the new config (while unlikely, as long as there is one old config out there, you run the risk of getting it).
This seems like a purchased ticket with an upgrade that cleared into C ... if they OP changes the reservation prior to day of departure - it is nothing less than a change and would incur a change fee - why wouldn't it???? Routing is irrelevant in this situation is my understanding.
The request on day of travel (within the 3 hour window) is the best chance, although it's likely they will be denied b/c it is FRA and an international flight, but it is certainly worth the effort to make the request.