Originally Posted by Microwave

If someone is on a business class award, the domestic segment on a 2-class aircraft would book into first, irrespective of aircraft or seat type. Thus your friend should be booked into first on a domestic 777 sold as 2 classes. This isn't about chances–unless he specifically agreed to a downgrade on this segment, he should be ticketed in first. If he did agree to a downgrade, he should slot in above upgraders on the PALL list at the airport.