Originally Posted by
videomaker
Yes, the GA could have made it happen. And didn't. But since they were about to close the flight and they are usually pretty short staffed at the gate, it appears the easiest thing for the GA to do was pick any random seat in Y.
I had this happen about a year ago DFW-SAT. When I saw the BP was in coach, I asked the GA if F was full since I had requested an upgrade. She didn't quite fully suppress a frown and was clearly annoyed that I had asked--I politely insisted, she relented and I got the upgrade (without delaying the flight). In another similar case, the GA simply walked down the jetway with me and told the FA to seat me in any F seat just before he closed the door--I do not know, but assume he took care of processing the upgrade after walking back up the jetway (if at all).
Unless you're extraordinarily late to the gate, I've found that being nice and asking firmly are quite effective.
ymmv
cheers!