I am fairly new to the frequent flyer program and I was hoping you guys can lend me your expertise.

I have bought my tickets for my husband and myself from BWI to OGG via DFW for my Sept trip. I was debating if i should use my miles to upgrade on the flights. I called and spoke to a rep and was told the flight from BWI to DFW was ugradable but from DFW to OGG is not available. It was the same in the return flight home. I was told I would need 15k miles each way and it would cost me $175 a ticket each way. They would put me on a wait list for the DFW to OGG flight and from the OGG to DFW flight

Do you guys think it is worth the miles and money to upgrade? I was really hoping to get the upgrade for the longer leg of the flight. What are the odds of those seats opening up? Does it happen often or am i wasting hope.

The last question I have is, can I check myself online to see if seats are open without have to call a rep? I see business seats are available as award seats for the leg from DFW to OGG. If that is the case should i be able to upgrade on it if a award seat is available?

In case anyone needs to know I bought coach seat with booking code G. I really appreciate any advice you guys can lend to a newbie.