Originally Posted by wldtrvlr

F8 means that there are 8 seats for sale in First Class. Currently I don't know of a way to look at Upgradeable seats, that is the R bucket. The gold window opens three days before the flight. Prior to that time of course the elite line will say there are no seats available for Upgrade.

If there are 8 seats available and your flight is in the next day or two there is a good chance if you get broken off the record you will get the upgrade. You can only ask for a Gold companion at the gate or ticket counter within two hours of the flight departure time. This gives other elites time to check in and get there upgrades before Gold companion Upgrades.