I've been lurking for awhile, enjoying the tales of triumph and woe, but at 6' 4", all legs, facing the 13.5 hour flight ORD-NRT on Saturday in middle row back of plane (41F on 777), I'm making the leap and posting!

Here's the deal: I'm AA gold, booked the flight 2 weeks ago as Y and coach is basically full. At time of booking, requested upgrades both ways (25k miles + $250 - well worth it on this flt) and got the NRT-ORD leg. I'm on the waitlist for ORD-NRT, AA says B is booked, but F appears to be mostly empty (looks like 10-12 seats open). Any advice on increasing the odds of an upgrade to B?

Think they'll bump B folks to F and vacate a few seats? I'm still a bit unclear on upgrade rules for elite members - would it help to show up at the ticket counter as early as possible (4 hours b/4 flt)? Beg at the gate? Wander around the terminal and try to find a friendly gate agent b/4 my gate opens and see what happens? Any advice would be welcome!

PS - great site! ^