Originally Posted by
manneca
I doubt it. My son had his RPU'ed upgrade ripped from his hands as he was boarding SFO-IAH yesterday. Someone had allegedly bought a first class ticket. (I wonder whether it was a TOD upgrade. The person taking his seat was a young woman. Now she could be a techie, and have lots of money, but I don't know.
Did your son already request his $250 electronic travel credit under United's internal policy GG OVS DOWNGRADE for flights of distance 1001–2000 miles? The policy is quite clear (any downgrade triggers compensation, including "we upgraded you with an instrument and just had an extra paying pax show up") and UA is generally forthcoming for passengers who know to ask.