New here, and first post - apols if the answer is elsewhere....

Am Silver on CO, but am flying LHR-ORD-PIT with UA over the holidays and was wondering what the current situation is with CO and UA.

Clearly the free upgrades to economy plus haven't started yet - but what is the chance of a free bump to Economy plus based on my CO status?

They will sell it me for around $200 RT - does that price drop/increase on the day of the flight?

If there's not a chance in hell of getting this mini-upgrade on the day I might consider paying the cash upfront......

Finally, can I use the Business/First/Elite UA check-in desk with my CO Silver status in the same way I can with CO flights?

ALSO, LHR-ORD-PIT, the connection time is just 1hr and 20 mins onto the ORD-PIT leg. Never landed internationally at ORD, is it realistic to clear immigration, baggage and customs and still make my connections?

Thanks for the help!