So we travel tomorrow and are within T-24. Went to OLCI and tried to check us in only to find that the only person I can check-in is me. The reason according to United UK 1K (India based) is that they are "waiting for authorisation" for the sponsored upgrades to ascertain that it is really really me that sponsored them, and this can only be done at the airport tomorrow. It was done at the time of booking and watching the itinerary I can/could see that we were all waitlisted. This is a new cock-up from United that I have not experienced before and despite asking them to authorise it as they have verified who I am, they are unable to do so. They say the only way to do it is to cancel the upgrade, which will take me off the waitlist, and check-in and apply the upgrades then to get re-added to the waitlist - which I am not willing to do as I may end up closer to the bottom.

Has anyone else experienced this sort of issue with OLCI and sponsored upgrades?