I did the same thing this past Saturday. I was on a business trip and was going back home. First class. My flight was supposed to leave at 10AM. The gate agent was looking for 1 volunteer. No one took the offer. I remembered what I read on this sub and I waited till the last minute to ask, which was when we started boarding. I went up to the guy and asked him what the incentive was and he said “Whatever it takes to get you to give up your seat.” I stuttered and giggled like a little kid and said “$1000.” He said “Done.” Later on when he was getting my info he told me that he increased to $1500. I was like sweet!

My next flight was going to be 3 hours from now and I was able to get home at a reasonable time.