Speculation: What status was this guy?
Flying ORD to PHX on Friday and the guy sat next but one to me in an exit row had 2 flight attendants come and visit him and address him by name as in "we are so sorry Mr.X" referring to the lack of a seat for him in first. When the food cart came past he simply flashed a symbol on his iPhone and whatever he wanted was free.
Sounds more than just Executive Platinum, any guesses ?