I booked an Alaska award with Avios and to my shock yesterday when I went to print out a BP at the airport kiosk for my flight, there was a message regarding requesting a complimentary upgrade. I assumed I'd be sitting in the exit row since it was an award ticket. But I clicked it, and immediately confirmed me in first class! Is this standard? Because I've read many times that award tickets aren't eligible for an upgrade on AS. First class was wide open on this flight and all elites were upgraded and there were still 4-5 open seats, and the plane departed with a seat or two not filled in first class. Maybe that had something to do with it. Still, I'm curious.