Originally Posted by Beard Papa

Totally agree with this.

I just booked a reward flight on NH in F out of ORD to NRT. ORD like IAD are fairly easy to get, but even the booking agent stated (not sure how true this is) that they only release a total of (2) reward seats, at least on those routes to NRT. Also, one of the seats is always blacked out for Elites/Crew/misc.

Anyway, as others have said, that is why UA has gone to the dogs. They allow anyone to upgrade at any time and/or hand over comp upgrades to those with status, thereby blowing out the entire system and the concept of a true F product. Just look at their lounges worldwide, where you can pay a few bucks for daily access. As long as UA keeps this up, they will never have a world-class product and no other airlines in the *A will partner with them or their policies on a fair and equal basis.