Ironically, I came across this thread yesterday and started to read it. As it turns out, our flight tomorrow (8:15 AM) from DTW-IAH is scheduled to be flown on a ERJ-170 coming in from IAH tonight as the 4:30 PM departure. The website shows first booked full 8 (2 customers upgraded) however, the seat map shows 6 seats. I assume this was originally a ERJ-175 but downgraded? None the less, this is a trip to PHX via IAH with my grandfather and I booked 2 discounted A fares (I think they were A) for confirmed first class all the way through.

I have no interest in being downgraded and can care less about the $250 voucher, I just want what I am confirmed in. I would assume the upgraded passengers would be the ones to be downgraded, however, if its based on value of the ticket, who knows.

I am willing to switch now to the DEN departure that leaves and arrives roughly the same time and per the website both flights have at least 2 available. It will actually let me SDC now, but of course with the $75 fee. I would be doing UA a favor in freeing up the 2 seats they would need and would avoid any downgrades tomorrow at the airport. If I called, do you think they would budge? What if I wait until the aircraft leaves IAH at 4:30 and confirm that indeed its a 170 and not a 175?