Flew AMS-LHR-ORD a couple days ago. LHR-ORD had 11 empty Business Class seats and about as many empty Premium Economy seats. I was booked in PE and exhausted from a week of meetings through Europe. In LHR I went to the T3 AA lounge and asked if I could upgrade using SWU or Miles+. I had no idea what a hassle this would be. The lounge agents could not do anything and told me to call in. After about 45 minutes on the phone I finally got my upgrade to clear.

The plane then took of with only 10 open business class seats.