Originally Posted by halls120

MUC is a very popular destination, and if you are talking about traveling during Oktoberfest, as a Silver you will be way down the priority upgrade list. You might consider buying a premium economy seat combined with a Mileage Plus Upgrade request, and book your departure for a Tuesday or Wednesday.

The days of “great deals” and easy upgrades are largely over, unless you are a GS - and sometimes, a 1K. As noted by others, LH group has a upgrade bid process that I’ve had success with in the past.

You might consider Turkish or Lot - both of those carriers are showing business to Munich from ORD in the $3000 range in September.