As a third year Platinum I've never actually upgraded a companion yet, as I often fly from a client site to vacation and meet my family upon arrival. I will be doing the same next week, but I connect in MSP and will actually fly on the same flight as my family MSP-MCO. I should arrive at the airport nearly 3 hours before the flight (I purposely booked a long layover so that we would be on the same flight) and am not sure of the process to attempt a companion upgrade at the gate.

Does my "companion" (in this case my 10 yr old son) need to be with me when I try to get him upgraded? (do I need to tell them to get to the airport a full 2 hours early?) or can I try to get him upgraded before he arrives at the airport. (He is also flying with my spouse, not coming alone.) Should he not yet be checked in?

Also, can I try to do this at any gate as I doubt there will be anyone for the MCO flight at the gate 2 hours before the flight, or do I have to exit security and go to first class checkin?

Also, now that the old link to find first class availability is gone, does anyone have a new link to see how many first class seats are available?