Originally Posted by
galaticos
Dont know policy but recent experience. Was travelling with Mrs. on LHR-LAX-LAS on award F.. LAX-LAS was the night 8pm flight.. arrived from LHR at 3... instead of just handing bags after customs, took them up to the check-in area and had the agent list us for standby on earlier flight for 5.30 something..... he said we are listed for F only and if not then Y.. at gate, there were other pax listed for UG's but we got cleared ahead.. then one of the other requests got cleared to fill the cabin..
You were cleared ahead because your original booking was in F (or whatever the award code is) as opposed to having been booked in Y and then upgrading via complimentary or 500-mile upgrades. Despite traveling on an award ticket, you paid for F, albeit with miles and that gave you priority.