I flew SFO-FRA on UAL a couple days ago by 'jumpseating.' I checked in at service counter 2.5 hrs early and the agent told me that she couldn't list me until 2 hrs or less before departure.... No big deal, she was very nice and gave me a standby pass no problems. Then, when I got to the gate the agent told me that I wasn't listed on flight even though my name was up on the standby board. I rushed back out to the service counter and after the original agent consulted with somebody with experience working the gate they called down and told the gate that I 'was' listed for the flight. So, back through security where there was a ticket with a seat waiting for me

I checked in with the flightdeck and dropped off some treats, they asked if I had been given me an upgrade but I told them that the flight seemed full. I also dropped off some treats with the flight attendants. I sat in an economy seat with no-one next to me. The flight attendants were very nice and made sure I had everything I needed. Everyone was great. Best part is that it cost me zero dollars.

I did buy a couple zeds for my return flight and based on the loads I'm going to try LH MUC-SFO tomorrow. I used kayak dot com to look at seats remaining for my flights; the UAL agent actually recommended that technique.

Good luck on your travels.