It was prob 3 years ago, but i had luck calling up to get E+ for my wife and i on our flight from hnl-ord that got us back to silver after a few years of little travel. one thing I've learned (especially involving travel) is that it doesn't hurt to ask, and you would sometimes be surprised how people are willing to help you out if you just ask nicely. Not necessarily related, because it doesn't really work over the phone, but a genuine smile can go a long way.