Im a bit green when it comes to using miles/upgrades/status and only recently hit any status of consequence so apologize if this is a silly question or if i use the argot incorrectly . Was wondering if first class seats ever open up in R at some point prior to travel if there is F availability.

In particular, my gf and i are flying next thur lga-iah-slc. I am pres plat, she has no status. I have miles/ru/swus. There look to be 7+ seats in F available on all segments. Nothing in R for all but one segment on the return leg. im unwilling to pay the 1600 per person to buy the upgrade round trip (which is the current offer).

Any advice on what, if anything, i could do? Was thinking if seats get converted to R as we approach departure day i could use a RU for her and hope i EUA? Any thoughts for the likelihood of an eua and/or battlefield upgrade for me/her given the F availability a week out from the flight?

Thanks in advance.