Originally Posted by
davetravels
This is the part I have never heard before:
<Bolding mine>
My most recent VDB, in September, I bid $300 at the kiosk / online (I can't remember which). When I got to the gate, the GA said she probably would need volunteers. I asked what the current deal was. She said $500. I asked her nicely as to why I had recently heard offers at some gates of up to $800. She said . . . .
$500 is the top offer. If you don't want it, somebody else will take it. Then, she looked up me reservation and said . . . .
You only bid $300! What are you complaining about!!! You're getting $200 more!
So, even though mine was in September, I still say BUNK to the above theory that you can't negotiate for more at the gate. if they need'ja - - THEY NEED'JA!!! I know there are several GAs who post here. Maybe they can chime in!
There's no obligation during OCI. If the gate agent thinks he/she has the upper hand, try saying you'll decline the offer and board when it's close to departure time. If you haven't agreed to a new routing and amount, you can't be forced to volunteer. Volunteers have all the power until they say yes to an amount and a new itinerary.
Edit: the GA in OP's story promised something he/she couldn't personally deliver. I never tell a customer what my co-workers will or won't do unless I'm personally speaking with that coworker. Promising what 60 GAs in your airport will or won't do is bad business.