Hey travel gurus

Used my travel bennies for the first time recently, didn't really go as expected. Maybe I'm not understanding this quite right....
I traveled with my dad(D2 passes) on 2 American flights operated by Compass airlines. While booking, I chose first class for both of us as there were enough seats still available. I checked in right on the dot 24 hours before departure.
Now, I know I'm not entitled to anything and it's all based on availability but-
Both times when I checked in at the gate, we were denied first class seats, on the second flight the agent straight out told me they don't give first class seats to standby passengers. Then she said they didn't have first class seats available even though the priority list still showed 3 seats available. Then they gave a first class seat to someone below us on the list(D2R if I remember correctly, not sure if that's a higher or lower than D2).
Here's the odd part- Both times there were a couple first class seats left vacant after boarding was complete. I understand paying passengers get priority but this didn't make any sense to me, we couldn't get the seats we had booked under even when they were available.
I didn't want to argue with the agents so I just let it go.
Am I missing something here? The priority verification card we get on Check In doesn't say class of service requested and the agents didn't seem to have any idea about the requested class in their system.
How can I make sure we can get these seats when they are available?
Is there something I can tell the agents to refer to(without sounding rude, of course) if they don't understand the process?

Appreciate your input in helping me use my benefits to the max!

 

If you were listed for F as a D2, and were denied as you described, then report the violation to Employee Travel. That's the only way to get these rogue agents counseled and the problem addressed. There is a contact email for this in the travel manual (whatever it's actually called) on Jetnet.

Also, read said manual for guidance on pass priorities and everything else you'll want to know re nonrev policies and procedures.

 

Thank you!

 

This ^


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Sounds like they might have been trying to show you who is the boss! I have been taken out of coach and given first class before when a paying passenger doesn't show, so it goes both ways. Keep in mind, sometimes revenue upgrades get the seat at the gate even if they didn't originally book it.

 

Yeah, could be.
I am still curious, can they see in their system if a non-rev booked first class or they just default to economy when they see a standby? Do I mention it every time when I show up?

 

They can absolutely see if you’re listed for first class. It looks like you got screwed both times. Sometimes gate agents try and hook up other people they know by denying first class to other non revs and giving it to their buddies. It has gotten way better over the past few years but that was something that was definitely happening. I’ve seen it happen.

The only thing I can think of is that maybe you didn’t realize that you selected “Main” instead of “Premium” when booking your flight. In this case, Idk if the gate agent can change you to first since you didn’t list for first. I am willing to bet they can but are too lazy to do so. Don’t let this go unsolved definitely report it. I am a commuter and I’m so tired of rude, arrogant non helpful gate agents. I’m always too nice and put up with so much crap.

Btw no, you don’t have to mention it. They should assign you first class if all upgrades are done and you’re next on the upgrade list. Key word “SHOULD.”

 

Thanks, that would make sense.
Yep, sent an email to the travel contact 2 days ago. Still waiting to hear back...

 

What station were you at? Main cabin only was an American Eagle policy, that died years ago. Compass employees had to wait two years to be displayed on the upgrade list due to “IT issues”. It’s possible they upgraded AACs ahead of you, which would be correct on AAC-operated flights. However leaving open seats is simply laziness or station mafia power tripping. If you introduced yourself to the crew, they would have upgraded you; that’s how we did it the last two years.

 

That's what I was going to say: Just talk to the FA's and be nice about it.

I had a situation where I had to list all four of us (myself, wife, two kids) as Main Cabin because my youngest is two (below the six years required to request First class). We ended-up splitting up on different flights to get home, so my wife took the two year-old and I took the six year-old...

So, the next flight we were on still had us listed as Main Cabin, even though we could now technically list as Premium. Long-story-short, the gate agents REFUSED (pretty rudely) to change us to Premium, even though there were like six seats still showing available up front that they never did fill. I just said okay and stewed for a little bit.

As soon as I got to the plane I asked the FA (if the front remained open) if she could hook us up... I made it clear that it wasn't a big deal either way, and I was very nice about it (and maybe had the kid make puppy dog eyes at her for full effect). A few minutes later she called us up front, and all was well with the world.