Originally Posted by
JeffCO
For what it's worth, it's been rare that I have not been able to upgrade to Stretch at check-in over the past year, though I generally try to check in right at the 24-hour mark. So if it's the space, Exit row or up front there's usually something.
That said, I agree that it stinks as a downgrade in benefits.
Most of the flights I've checked in on this year under 4 hours or so online have had open STRETCH seats available. I've also been able to upgrade to STRETCH at the kiosk at the airport several times. Just got Ascent so I'll be curious to see how often I get upgraded.
For what its worth, even though it is a minor downgrade for Ascent, it would be an upgrade for Summit since there are now more seats that are only available to them for free at booking. For their most frequent fliers it won't be a big deal and might even be a plus.