Here’s how it plays out. If your seat isn’t compliant with our contract, you approach the gate agent, explain the situation and then they “should” fix the glitch. If they don’t you say thank you, take a seat and call our FODM (flight ops duty mgr/UA pilot).

Generally (99%) the phone will ring at the gate, they gate agent gives you evil looks, then calls you up to the gate to give you your contractually compliant seat. If the FODM can’t fix the glitch, then you can refuse the DH.

Also there has to be an available FC seat at the time of booking or you will be booked in premium plus and will be the first person on the upgrade list.