I just called to request an upgrade (ATH-LHR in March - waitlisted, if anyone cares). I noted two things maybe worth sharing:

1) The agent specifically told me, without being prompted "If you have heard nothing up to 3hrs before departure then go to the desk at the airport or you may want to get to the gate early and listen for your name being called". She sounded like she was reading from a a script so do we think this is something new and official? Has anyone else here been told that?

2) I asked about the possibility to do the upgrades online. She said it is something they are working on but it isn't ready yet. I said I had seen it online then it had gone again and she said she was aware - others have asked. She had no timescale when it might be ready other than "quite soon".