Are preferred seats still released at 2 hours?
On a couple of recent flights I checked the online seat map and it showed that the exit row was open with less than 2 hours to flight time. When I tried to change seats online it said that I have to pay for it when I check in. I politely asked the GA who then made the seat change without charge.
It has been my understanding that unclaimed preferred seats are open to all at 2 hours. Am I wrong or has this changed? I don't have status and would enjoy snagging an exit row seat without paying for it and bothering the GA.