Thanks to all for your replies.

It seems the consensus is that I will not be able to check in at the airport the day before the flight and that I will not be able to use online check-in, since this is an International flight.

JGR01's idea of checking the bags all the way through CDG seems promising. Unfortunately, we will only be bringing carry-ons (we've found European designer clothes are cheaper in Europe ).

We are 5 people travelling. Two of us (including me) have already been upgraded (flt 143 on 06/03), 3 are on stand-by. I have repeatedly told the EXP agent that we are looking to maximize the number of upgrades, even if that means that one of us will have to stay back in coach while all others travel in the front. I don't know if they made a note of this though, but I think the fact that we are all on different PNRs could help in this regard. I am not sure if it will make it difficult for the other non-status PAX to 'share' my status?