Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 72,445
They're supposed to downgrade upgraders first, then use time of check-in, IIRC.
Some GAs clearly just use row 3 as a convenient way of not sorting the list of pax in F.
And I've had that process apply to me, with the GA unapologetically saying, "Your upgrade was free, anyway." (No compensation offered, which is contrary to UA policy.)