My flight tonight to Newark was delayed by 1.5 hours due to a late arriving inbound aircraft. I called the elite desk hoping to change to the first flight tomorrow morning and was on hold for about 30 minutes. Frustrated, I got into the car and drove over to FLL while remaining on hold. I walked up to the counter (which was empty) and came across the single agent at the counter. I explained to her that I was on hold for the elite desk, and she told me that they as agents haven't even been able to get through when they call. Long story short, she booked me directly into first class on the morning flight (I was upgraded on tonight's flight but the morning flight was full in coach but open in first class with no one standing by). Heading to FLL (which is 30 minutes from my home) was faster than waiting for the elite desk...how special I feel to be "Premier!"