Originally Posted by
jovan_grbic
This thread was started to report on the issue at hand (UA E+ with AC*E). Please report your experiences and advice and leave politics for another thread. One may have different views on airline policies but this is really taking it too far. If discussing the fairness of AC vs UA premium seating restrict yourselves to OBJECTIVE arguments!
Your initial question does seem to have opened up a powder keg. I hope that you have been able to find some answers to the question you raised. I guess it can be summarized as follows:
E+ to *G not by default.
OLCI for free, maybe by chance/luck
Check-in, maybe, depending on Agent
Gate Agent, maybe, depending on Agent
On Board, probably buy up or march of shame back to assigned seat
The only way you can be guaranteed the seat would be to pay for it if they are available.
IME when checking in a non-status holder, if they didn't already have an E- seat assigned and OLCI doesn't offer a seat, it will offer you the buy-up. Don't bite, and take your chance. It will usually result in an assigned E+ seat.
If you value seat selection, then I would advise to pay as this will give you some flexibility. (I'd take an E- aisle over an E+ middle any day).