Originally Posted by
arollins
That is how it works, after all, you bought a coach ticket, therefore you need to standby for coach, once that is cleared then you can get added to the upgrade list....
OP clearly states he was assigned seat 29F, *then* asked to be placed on the upgrade list. The gate agent was unable to do so, which is the primary question here.
Originally Posted by
arollins
Also, remember that upgrades are complementary, not mandatory.
Complementary means free (without any form of charge) in this context.
Originally Posted by
RogerD408
...so they aren't thinking I'm just another self-entitled elite trying to get something for free ...
Upgrades are one of the primary reasons we all have status. Upgrades are in fact 'free' (complementary) and EXPs are entitled to them, if available. Whether or not a gate agent *prioritizes* processing of upgrades (complementary or not) at the gate is the main point of discussion here. I think any seasoned traveler would appreciate that upgrades often are not (and should not) be a priority for a gate agent when a flight is running behind.