Was flying home with MrsPhrantic from NRT a few nights ago. It was a K fare and when we booked, it booked the late flight, leaving 3 or 4 flights in between our inbound and our flight.

So we waitlist for an earlier flight (still 1p luckily for a few more days) and both me and MrsP jump to #1/#2
(she's 2p) on a list of 14 (for a seat, not for the upgrade).

GA says the flight is oversold but being #1/#2 we have hope.

Anyhow, GA calls us up and says, I got 1 seat. So I tell MrsP, Go... I'll catch a cab when I get home. The GA then tells this 14year old unaccompanied minor - "Sorry". I'm sitting there listening to him call his parents and say he's going to be stuck ihere etc etc etc. Feeling kind of guilty.

3 minutes later..boarding is done, most of the WL's have left for the other gate for the next flight, GA calls the name of the person that was #3 when we were #1/#2.. then #4, then #5, then #6, then #7, then #8.. Then looks at the kid, who was #9, and says "Lucky day, get on.".

And so I'm sitting there thinking 1) Cool.. At least he got on and I don't have to feel bad.. .but also 2) Why didn't I get that seat?

2 minutes later, GA says "Come here and stand next to me". She says there is still 1 missing px, checked in, on his way... Watches the clock...right at 10minutes prints me my BP and I get on. ALL GOOD FOR ALL. (except that 1 px. )

Anyhow... LONG story... Why didn't I get the 2nd seat right away? (I probably would have given it to the kid anyhow but still curious)