Pollypocket36,
I am so sorry to say this, never ask for or expect an upgrade.
I have been very lucky especially in the last 2 years to have only flown economy 3 sectors out of about 20 and have ONLY ever been upgrade at the gate. Yes it is great to get the upgrade, but because most of all I just want to get on flights to see my friends.
This post is not meant to be nasty to you (my parents first trip on standby was spent split up on a 11 hr LAX-LHR Economy flt)
and that was no fun, but we were glad to get back home.
Concessions are GREAT and I personally never take them for granted, as I use them about 15 times a year and wouldnt have been able to see and do some of the stuff I have done without them.
ALL I CAN SAY ...... ENJOY YOUR CONCESSIONS