Originally Posted by
njcommodore
Not necessarily. If F=3 and R=1, the F you purchased doesn't come out of R. Revenue management is behind both UA and CO's upgrade schemes and none of us have the crystal ball inside either one. UA's upgrade scheme and CO's both have advantages and disadvantages. Let's not pretend either one is the be all end all of complementary upgrade programs.
Good point. I meant F/R=1 and I buy the seat. Point is that OP might not be the only person in line for the seat and that even if he is at any given second, someone could jump ahead of him one second later. Thus, carriers all hold seats to the gate.