Originally Posted by
epicurus
I do think it is unnecessary to require manual request for domestic upgrade... who doesn't want free upgrade? In addition, UA's economy plus is a better seating than AA's exist row if upgrade cannot be cleared. Just my 2c.
Could be someone who is traveling with a companion and doesn't want to buy 500 milers ("stickers") to upgrade the companion or someone who prefers exit rows to the old 757 F park bench seats. Or perhaps EXP peons traveling with their lower-status bosses in organizations where sitting in F while the bosses are in economy is frowned upon. There may be some other valid reasons.