No front cabin available
 

I've never used miles to upgrade and would like some help, please.
We have flights booked from IAD to CDG on Continental in May. On their web site I am offered the option to upgrade to first and I would like to do that (20,000 mi and $550 each OW). However, the site also says, "No front cabin available." I'm assuming front cabin means first class?
I do see 11 empty first class seats if I try to book that same flight without using miles, so before I charge $1100, can you tell me if the odds are good I will actually get first class seats?
It is odd because on the screen that takes my charge card information, there is a button that says, "Purchase then select seats." Ai yi yi. Are seats available or not?
Anyway, I understand they will refund the money and miles if I don't get the first class seats, but will I at least get to keep the extra leg room seats I already purchased?
Thanks for your help.

if you look at the booking info when you are on Continental.com

enter your info
choose economy seats
pay
then you will have the option to pay for business first. If you don't get the upgrade you don't pay the extra.

I think the fact that there are 11 Biz/First seats for sale in Jan has very little bearing on whether those seats will still be available in May.

Miles will be deducted immediately if you request an upgrade, even just waitlisted. Those will be redeposited if not cleared (often times requiring a phone call). Money portion won't be charged until waitlist cleared, as mztery said.

Thanks for your help.