2 quick questions, as we're flying back from Hawaii on Friday (3 flights back to PIT, 2nd 3rd both cleared already, 1st has 8 1st class left):

1. Should I still check us in at 24 hours just to get us the economy plus in the interim?
2. When we arrive, how should we lead off the convo with the gate agent? Assuming we aren't at the top of the list that is...