Thanks for the info, 84fiero! I have heard of people getting impromptu upgrades for various reasons. Is United a little more strict about that or is it because I am a government traveler. I am about two days out and and the flight looks fairly empty with 11 empty business class seats and 75 available in economy plus.

I don't think I'll get very far with my AO with such little time remaining. I'll have to try my luck with the airline. I don't mind paying a little extra of my own money but I can't afford much.