I flew AA metal from GDL-DFW on Jan 11 and the check-in agent denied my UG request as US CP even when the plane had 7 open F seats. She said the system did not allow her to do it and a supervisor would not help me either. She was not rude but somewhat dismissive of US Air FF status but she did offer to sell me one.

After a minute of pleading my case against deaf ears I decide to move on and proceeded to the security area where I saw some kiosks for all airlines. I gave it a try and the kiosk gave me an upgrade no questions asked. ^ Technology, not people solved the problem.

Hope this helps someone in the same trouble over the next few months. Use the kiosks if you can. They seem to be better informed than AA agents.