I was wondering what the chances of doing a CASH/AmEx upgrade at the gate for the following trip from Charlotte to Munich on Luftansa? I have often upgraded on the spot when traveling with a tour group of which I have been a leader for a small fraction of the full price of 1st Class. I am currently in Business round trip for the Charlotte--Munich and Venice--Charlotte portions of the Flight. The ticket cost around $ 4,000.00 for Business Class.

I could have traveled US Air for around $ 300 less but when I looked at USAir to Europe vs Lufthansa the choice was obvious.

PS I am leading a group to Sicily in between and with a few days in Venice.

LH 429Z 02NOV T CLTMUC*SS1 625P 810A
LH1854Z 03NOV W MUCMXP*SS1 905A 1015A
LH3626Z 03NOV W MXPPMO*SS1 1230P 205P
IG 661Y 12NOV F CTAVCE SS1 1150A 130P
LH1907Z 18NOV Q VCEMUC*SS1 840A 1000A
LH 428Z 18NOV Q MUCCLT*SS1 1125A 335P

I have some miles on USAirways and Delta but none on Lufthansa but I am a member of their Frequent Flier Club. I recently had two major operations and have a cane so I don't know if any 'sympathy' will work if I approach the counter with an American Express Platinum Card and a smile on my face in hand.