Originally Posted by
Often1
You are jumping over the simple fact that OP boarded and thus gave up any claim to an upgrade. The same on AA and UA.
While it was well-meaning to give GA's the option of allowing pax to board and then fetching them later, that is a bad practice. Better to deal with the last minute UG's at T-14, when any unclaimed F seat is up for grabs (earlier if there are seats not sold) and boarding those who are waiting at the gate.
At a minimum, if you are in line for an UG, ask before boarding.
The rationalization (excuse) often given here is that taking the time to move elites into available UG seats might delay departure.
Continuing the situation where those with credible potential for the UG have to hang back and distract the GA at the last moments before the door closes cannot be helpful in attaining the on-time departure goal.
Giving the GA the latitude to come onto the plane and bring folks forward, but leaving it discretionary, is not a solution to the problem.
If DL management were serious about buttressing the integrity of this benefit, they could solve this problem. But, clearly, they are not.
Whatever UA or AA do, or do not do, is not relevant. Folks have chosen to fly DL, and DL seeks to assert that it provides better service and benefits.
The rationale that "We are no worse than our competitors" rings hollow.
Accessing a hard-earned benefit, when it is indeed available, should not have to be a crap shoot.