I booked a UA ticket on a CO metal a number of weeks ago.

I have place no less than 10 phone calls asking how I could upgrade my cheap-o L fare to Biz/First and I've gotten different answers every time.

I called a couple weeks prior to departure, about a week before and even a couple days prior, with no luck.

I'd tracked this flight (CO 48) for the last couple Wednesdays looking at the upgrade chances if you're on the list. It's gone out with about 20 open Bizfirst seats every time.

The last few phone calls just said show up at the gate and pray, so here I am. The gate agents aren't here yet, but after talking to a few customer service reps, the Presidents Club matrons (yikes!), and UA and CO phone support, they say they can't help apart from buying up, which is about $4,400.

The most surprising thing is they say there are no mileage upgrades available with about 23 seats available at this point.

Pretty amazing, and a big bummer!

Any suggestions??