[Silent Bob]

If continental doesn't get you out earlier than 6 days to your destination, either through them or through another carrier, with or without a layover you can call their customer service or reservation and state rule 240, where they CANNOT refuse you a transfer on another airline. (The rule should be in the ticket jacket they gave you or you can view their contract of carriage online) As far as your friend getting first class, I know delta will put you in first if that's all the seats they have, I think Continental does the same if the only remaining seats they have are first. If you're near a computer, look up flights going to your destination and call customer first letting them know you found a flight and would like to be booked on it, if they deny you take names (very important) definitely write a letter to DOT/FAA. (Unless we're talking one of those one flight a day type flights, since you don't state the destination and didn't get a hotel, I am guessing it's a domestic travel where, due to weather, they don't provide hotels, again also in the rule 240) You'd be surprise what you find when you read that ticket jacket. I hope this help a little.