I find this info out most times if I need it just by being friendly and non-inquisitive.

If trying to work out whether to upgrade to either LAX or SFO if chatting harmlessly I'll chuckle and say "OK, can I ask a little favour please - which flight would you waitlist your Mom on if she had the choice?"

Sometime they'll simply say one or the other, and often they'll look into it and say "Well there are 16 open C seats on SFO and only 4 on LAX, so SFO is your best shot" etc.

Asking right out: "exactly how many open seats on the LAX" will often get a defensive barrier put up "sorry, I cannot divulge that info" type answer.

It is all down to basic Psychology #1.

------------------
Try and make it down to SYD for "OZ FEST 2004" - May 21-23

~ Glen ~ sipping bubbly from UA 747-400 exit row 15A near you SOON!