Originally Posted by
mduell
What is the specific requirement the GA does it? Could be done via email or at checkin.
Also the oxygen mask issue, extras only available in a few seats on the RJs.
We're missing a lot of details, particularly with regard to the second DB and the OP's demands of UA agents at various points. Too hard to predict what UA will say, will have to wait and see if the OP follows up after UA's response.
I don't know what procedures for soliciting volunteers are permitted, but if the OP and spouse were the only IDBs on the second flight, this would suggest that UA didn't know that this flight was oversold until the gate, when OP and spouse were booked onto the plane by the phone agent.
I'm wondering too whether it was the same GA for both flights.