One other thing to keep in mind. The ratio of non-elites to elites goes WAY up Wednesday. So even though the lines are long and flights are full, the elite line should be much shorter, and upgrades should be available for everyone.

I concur on the CRC membership or at least a day-pass. Buy it now on your amex and you get 14 months, or buy the trial from Northwest, or just pay $25 per person for the day pass.