Originally Posted by Westcoaster

I don't know the answer but would like to know as well. After thinking about it I've decided that if they ever try to sell upgrades at the gate when I'm on the waitlist I'm going to pay for the upgrade and then after the flight ask Customer Care for a compensatory voucher towards a future flight. Maybe that will generate an official explanation one way or the other. Worst case I'm out the upgrade fee but then I know where elites stand versus paid upgrades at the gate.

Note: I'm talking about upgrades here. If AS can sell F seats at the gate for the regular F price then more power to them.