Originally Posted by
denver19
If this is true, it certainly puts a different spin on the story. But when you "cancel your reservation", then show up for the flight, I would expect UAL to say "Your not on this flight". Not: "Mea culpa, but lets put you in E+ and give you $500." When I change reservations, I pay, they don't pay me. I don't think this "cancel / auto-upgrade" story is without some problems.
Lets not forget she was half way home. If you cancel your flight, you need to rebook another flight.
per the linked article, pax denies that she cancelled her flight. I'm inclined toward believing her since a knowing cancellation doesn't fit well with her or UAL's subsequent behavior, and I would think an accidental cancellation would generate some sort of notification via email or sms, at least.