Originally Posted by
bakster21
My understanding is that award tickets do not qualify for upgrades. I have been similarly refused in the past due to that reason.
Your understanding is wrong. If you paid the fee with a qualifying Chase card, award tickets are indeed eligible for upgrade. Within your elite status, you will be upgraded after paid fares.
OP - I called 1k line and they put me on list. Probably a better chance with them than with airport personnel.