A week ago flying YYC-IAH I saw a 1st seat available so I called to see what it would be for me to M-up. I was #11 on the waitlist so chances were remote to say the least. Unfortunately, as I was connecting to MAF at IAH an M-up was not possible.

Then the CO person said the majic words... "I see though that the seat is an R and you can get it for 15k points." Sold. I'm sure the #1 person was ticked off and didn't understand why they didn't get the seat... especially if they were anal and remembered I was #11.

I've no problem at all if CO keeps a couple seats for last minute 1st purchase. I wish they had yesterday afternoon EWR-IAH.