<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Eastbay1K:
Since joining the MP in 1986, I have never been waitlisted for anything at AS. Lucky me! Until today. My question is whether there is any rhyme or reason as to when AS releases U seats when there are still F seats? (In the instant case its F2 U0 3 days before departure). I just thought some pattern had maybe developed since the program changes took effect.</font>
Yes, there is.
While -U- inventory is capacity controlled (as well as -A- inventory for First Class Saver Awards), those capacity controls are lifted within 24 hours of that flight's departure time.
So if there are six -F- inventory seats available for a flight with 24 hours from now, you won't see a lesser number available in the subsets like -U- or -A- inventory. You would be able to get those six seats in -U- class (upgrades) or -A- class (First Class Saver Awards).