Hi, guys! I would LOVE any expert advice here. I'm on a flight Sat am from IAD to PEK. UA flight 897. I'm a 1K, and am still on the waitlist. Submitted the GPU request over a month ago. On the seating chart it looks like there are some free first class seats. Someone suggested that tomorrow, when it's 24 hours before the flight, I call the 1K desk to see if I can get them to put through the upgrade. I don't have access to ExpertFlyer (well, I have a free account, but I don't fly often enough to buy a pro account), so I don't know how to check and see if there are any 1st class seats left to be had.

So, two questions:
1 - Are there any seats left for me to call and ask for on that flight?
2 - If so, what strategies have you used when calling United to get the person to help you get an upgrade? Nice ask? Irritated "I never get upgraded, and I'm starting to think about leaving" ask? Something else?

What are the strategies you would use to increase your chances of getting upgraded on this flight? Teach me!!

Would absolutely love any advice you have to offer.

Thanks!