Hey all,

Last week I flew PUJ (Punta Cana) to BOS through EWR on CO metal. I'm still flying as a United 2P (2011 status year) and have Unlimited Domestic upgrades. At the gate in PUJ I went to the agent to confirm that my girlfriend and I were on the upgrade list, and he said, No. I pointed out that I was Premier which usually gets me and my companion a place on the upgrade list and he agreed that "sounds right" but that since I didn't ask at the check-in counter that there was nothing he could do about it. Turns out the plane took off which a handful of empty seats in First and we ended up with an Exit row, but still in coach.

Questions are... was I (and traveling companion on the same PNR) actually entitled to an upgrade, or am I just understanding the Rules wrong? And if so, should I have had to request one at check-in? (Maybe it was just a technical limitation that didn't allow the gate agent to process it?) And if an upgrade was merited, will a letter to UAL be worth it to pursue some sort of upgrade certificates for a future flight?

On my MileagePlus profile under Upgrades Earned it says, "Unlimited Domestic Upgrades: Unlimited" and the details say, "Elite Members can get complimentary upgrades on United and Continental. Buy an eligible ticket, and we'll request the upgrade for you! Available in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Central America and Mexico (excludes transcontinental p.s. flights and select Hawaii flights on Continental)."

Any help or info would be appreciated! Thanks.