US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - What did I do wrong?

So, I was flying a US codeshare to Chicago on Friday. I had asked to be put on teh upgrade list and they said that as a silver preferred member I needed to pay for it somehow. I don't have any United miles bc I am loyal to US... so when we got on teh flight there were about 10 First class seats empty. MMy question: why wasn't I upgraded when they obviously had space available?

There are no free upgrades on any other metal than US. -- On UA you have to pay for an upgrade.

So, I was flying a US codeshare to Chicago on Friday. I had asked to be put on teh upgrade list and they said that as a silver preferred member I needed to pay for it somehow. I don't have any United miles bc I am loyal to US... so when we got on teh flight there were about 10 First class seats empty. MMy question: why wasn't I upgraded when they obviously had space available?

Have I taught you nothing?

See the sticky about upgrading on United:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120749

So, I was flying a US codeshare to Chicago on Friday. I had asked to be put on teh upgrade list and they said that as a silver preferred member I needed to pay for it somehow. I don't have any United miles bc I am loyal to US... so when we got on teh flight there were about 10 First class seats empty. MMy question: why wasn't I upgraded when they obviously had space available?

Pal, we all feel your pain. We have all been in your shoes. Right now, that's just how it is. FWIW, UA travellers would have the same experience trying to UG on US metal --- i.e. no go.

This would (or should) never happen on CO-NW. They treat each other's respective elites quite well. I'm really disappointed US-UA don't have consistent upgrade policies, yet UA's F is worth paying for, which is part of the reason why they still don't have unlimited upgrades for their own elite members.

I know. The seats looked so nice and I just had to keep walking... sigh. At least I made gold with that trip. I had been 64 miles short of gold but because my flight was cancelled they had to put my on a connecting flight instead. My companion groaned and I cheered!