Originally Posted by
SparseFlyer
Sorry, I was referring to the yellow luggage tags you get when you have GTE for your luggage.
I also don't think passengers get GTE if ALL seats are taken. I have suspicions that AC would GTE people way before 100% of seats get assigned, specifically to not have to unseat a passenger UA style.
Ah, I've never checked a bag when using standby.
Your second point is interesting, but I'm not sure it would really make a difference.
UA's problem was boarding the entire flight before deciding who to deny.
You don't leave a GTE deadheading pilot or Super Elite while everyone else goes on board to take every last seat. You ask for volunteers, and if none come forward, you call a few up. To the gate. Before boarding.