Originally Posted by lhrsfo

Agreed entirely, and doubly so in the era where non-refundable tickets are predominant. As I understand it, refundable tickets used to become non-refundable on check in, so that was a purpose- to close in on the final tally. But I can't see any other real purpose, than seat allocation.

Conversely, I nearly always travel internationally and with checked bags. Upgrades don't happen. So I've never seen the point of OLCI when, at the airport I have to wait in the same line and spend the same amount of time with the same agent. So I don't bother.