Originally Posted by Orion

I prefer to be in a concourse where the GIS is available and showing the breakdown of available seats, the upgrade, the standby and the cleared lists. But sometimes even this doesn't help.
One morning I arrived at my departure gate in the "A" concourse an hour before flight departure on Delta's first flight of the day from ATL to DCA. Then the agent arrived. The GIS was merely cycling through non usuful information: location of the nearest restrooms and cabin baggage policy. I asked the gate agent to confirm that I was still on the upgrade list.
She said I was not on the list (I was a Platinum). I asked to be added to the list and she told me the upgrade list was closed.
The GIS never displayed the cleared or the upgrade lists. The GA called pax by name to give out new seat assignments (upgrades I assume).
The flight left with a few empty seats in first class. I had three seats to myself in coach so I was not uncomfortable.
Why didn't she turn on the useful information on the GIS?