Originally Posted by
aww3583
When my MIL (elderly, no status, wheel-chair assisted) went to select a one-way ticket last week, the seat map showed two open seats in coach. When she got to the purchase screen, the seats were gone and her ticket says "assign at gate". I told her "it happens".
At least in the past, and perhaps this is still true, Delta would hold back one set (of 2 or 3) bulkhead seats, and often a few other seats, for assignment at the gate within ~1 hour of departure. Often times people needing a wheelchair to board would be assigned these seats.
Hopefully the reservation for your MIL noted the fact she needed a wheelchair assist. I would think that would give her an edge in being assigned one of those seats at the gate.
At times it seems like families with young children are given those seats if the only other option is for them to be split up around the cabin. Savvy fliers also often would ask for them. Of course, those are now C+ seats, so there is an extra cost to sit there if you lack status, and thus harder to get for free.