Slappy,

As a fellow Continental Employee I think that you might have a little better chance other than what has been stated here. Especially if you can get your employee friend to go with you. Are you traveling out of EWR or IAH. It sounds like you are more interested in flying Business than flying to Japan. If that is right and you are just trying to get a stamp on your passport you have plenty of options. I plan my vacations around getting Business Class. I will fly Business Class to another airport as close as I can to my destination and then fly coach on a ZED Pass if I have to so I can go where I want to. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually going to give you your best chance to sit up front as well.