Originally Posted by
gregster
No harm in asking at the checkin desk, but I've had good success asking at the gate when they're unlikely to make more revenue selling those seats.
The UA flights I've been on, they've wanted to charge for E+ at the desk and on board.
The only time I've gotten free E+ is by not doing seat selection and checking in late, or when I asked after IRROPS (got bumped onto a red eye)