Now I am not asking if it is possible for an free upgrade as i know its solely based on luck but is it possible to ask the lady at the ticket counter whether my girlfriend can get upgraded to business class for a reduced cost due to unforeseen circumstances? If he/she says yes then do you guys know how much will it cost me to upgrade her to business class?
Just as an FYI we bought the two tickets through her dad as his employers has certain perks like discounted plane tickets and as a result. Not sure if this matters as well but her dad has an Asia Miles card and travels almost twice a year between toronto and hong kong.
You are welcome to ask...but the answers will be
"No" and "No" (to the two questions in the first paragraph). The cost of going to biz class is the fare difference, you're not going to be given a break due to a sprained ankle.
And no, unfortunately the things you point out in the second paragraph don't matter either.