Originally Posted by
Syzygies
That (clearing one leg) qualifies one as displaced first (PR-1? PC-1? I forget) for that direction. Not for the return. Simply having one's name in play for a mileage upgrade doesn't.
Let me spell this out: Once you are definitely on the hook for the price of first (15,000 to clear one leg) but not sitting in first for all legs that you are entitled, you are a displaced first passenger. This is a nice loophole, reminding me of "Plan B" for international travel.
.
This is incorrect.
PR1 is only for FULL FC Reward tickets that were given coach seats due to lack of availability. Mileage upgrade certs (ie like the 15K mile you refer to) are not eligible for standby. As you have experienced results may vary but the rule is quite clear in the directory.