Originally Posted by sbm12

I have occasionally gone through the purchase process of a Y seat and just skipped the "upgrade me" part of the booking. Once I get the email with the receipt I go back in to the reservation online and I'm able to upgrade it there - no interaction with a CO agent required. I've also booked a non-Y fare, printed the confirmation email and then gone back and canceled it and purchased the Y-up myself, eating the cost of the difference. Both worked just fine for getting my expenses paid without having to explain anything to anyone.