Originally Posted by
Turicus
It may not ever be confirmed. If no availability opens up until OLCI, the waitlist is removed. The benefit is, if an upgrade seat becomes available, you're first to get it if waitlisted. You still have to log in / call to confirm it cause they can't deduct miles without your consent. The free seat is "held" for you to upgrade.
This is correct.
I was waitlisted at Xmas and it came through, today's flight hasn't worked out by olci so it was removed.
The issue is the inconsistency of whether they let you do it. My recent success was in the lounge - I have no idea if it's only for golds and plats but it probably should be because when a seat comes up the ug is confirmed and you don't have to worry about checking every 5 minutes, that said as mentioned above you still have to call to confirm and I certainly wouldn't risk waiting until the airport.