Originally Posted by
exerda
If it's handled the PMCO way, it's basically done by the GAs at the gate manually. If you accept the kiosk offer of a potential VDB, it should print out a receipt of some sort which you hand to the GA, and then the GA will let you know if your seat is needed--still sorted and handled by the GA, not by the computers.
I know, it's a step back 20 years in terms of IT, but them's the breaks.
This
used to be the way. It no longer is...at least, it no longer has to be.
Much to my surprise last week my SEA-IAH flight was overbooked and I asked at the counter about volunteering. The agent had a computer print out of three people who had already volunteered at the check-in kiosk I assume. It was a complete print out of their name, seat assignment, destination, etc.
The poster above is generally correct about pmCO. I've never seen them do anything but pencil & paper until now. I'm not sure if this is a trend at the new UA or a one-off.
FWIW the agent who was working w/ the computer list at SEA is an older agent who has been with CO for many years.
-RM