Originally Posted by
PushingTin
My specific question is about the number you get when you use the auto-check-in on return flights. I actually bought a 1st cabin on this trip, but I noticed that on my return, on an RJ jet that my seq number is 27. Considering that the flight starts in the Eastern time zone and not a hub, I kind of doubt that someone is routing thru here internationally- the only way someone could have checked in earlier.
The point is, that if seq number is the determining factor for upgrades, and I've been 1-3 on the list for a bunch of upgrades in the past- is auto check-in and with a high number for a plane with not that many seats causing me to miss close upgrades?
How does United's computer decide what order to auto-check in people at? Is setting an alarm and doing it manually a way to get a lower SEQ number?
Since auto check-in is set to happen by default it's likely that a lot of passengers are all check-in at T-24. I have no idea how they sort, but would guess an easy way would be by ticket number (but it could be any number of things).
You realize that sequence number is the very last tie-breaker for upgrades right and even then its only for the gate upgrades. These days, IME, there are usually <2 seats unallocated by the time T-30m arrives (since the auto-upgrade runs until then); often it is 0. The only time the sequence number would matter is if you're tied at both status and fare code for the last remaining seat.