Originally Posted by
rankourabu
1. happens on all airlines
2. sounds like all airlines again
3. happens on all airlines
4. UA (unlike AC) has a very transparent upgrade and standby list - its on screens at every gate in SFO, and on their mobile app. Its not rocket science to look up your position on the list.
I'll give to the OP, there was apparently a systems issue that didn't automatically transfer him to the new stand-by list.
But I'm with you: OP could've been more proactive and checked the list or asked another GA, instead of just waiting to be called.