Originally Posted by
deltajuliet
Thanks as usual for the response Centerline. However, that explanation seems to suggest the seat map would show less open seats. In my experience it typically shows more.
Or are you saying a portion of the open seats on the seat map are being held for groups/company business/re-bookings?
While we're on the subject, United seems to give out upgrades like candy. You'll see one or two available first class seats and 30 upgrades listed. Is it realistic to get first class anymore? It was doable a few years back but every flight I go on now seems impossible.
UAL has tons of freq flyers w status to upgrade domestically. On intl flights their policies are more restricted and/or cost lots of miles so you'll see fewer rev standbys on the upgrade list.
Airways has much better avail in First--unfortunately I can almost guarantee it will become harder under the AA system--no airline merger has ever resulted in better privileges for the regionals involved.