Minus the fact that UAL gate agents are notorious for hating to do jumpseat listings at the gate despite the fact that's the only method in existence. We used to be able to list online but that was taken away too for some reason, despite the fact all it did was save the gate agents time.

Also there is a limit on WebJump as to how many jumpseaters can be listed for a flight. So even if there are 100 open seats on the flight, it won't let the gate agent list more than X number (whatever the number is) of jumpseaters.

Lastly, how many times have you rushed for a commute. Or not even had to rush but known you land and have 45 minutes but because you're listed you you'll make it because your nonrev listing has cleared and there is a boarding pass waiting for you at the gate. Now what? Pay the $20 for a nonrev listing I guess since you're not going to find many gate agents willing to spend 3-4 minutes doing a listing for you while they're boarding Group 5. List for the jumpseat earlier in the day? WebJump won't let you do it more than 2 hours in advance.

So I'd venture to say this policy - if its true - does in fact effect UA Express guys greatly.