Originally Posted by
Uzzar
Not sure if this is an exact replication of the facts, but last Friday I arrived at the airport a bit early for a 4pm flight that had an EXP upgrade confirmed seat. That 4pm flight already had about a 1 hour delay. The earlier (2pm) flight to my destination was also delayed about an hour, so they asked if I wanted to take that flight instead. I said "well I am already in F for the 4pm flight, but I will take the 2 (now 3) pm flight if you there is F available." The ticket agent said "yes, there is 1 seat still available in F" and then started typing into her computer.
I'm sure most of you know what boarding pass she gave me...it was not in F. She said "don't worry, you are at the top of the list." I checked the app after I cleared security, and I was #1 on the list. By the time i got to the gate, i could see that #2 had cleared, and there my name was at #1 with no checkmark.
So the gate agent had cleared #2 because I was not at the gate, even though I was on the way and the Ticket agent had just checked me in as #1 about 10 minutes before.
Bottom Line = don't trust the Ticket counter to be in-step with the gate agents when you are changing flights.
This improper upgrade clearing is so frustrating. This past week, however, I was pleasantly surprised by a positive experience, contrary to yours. I was booked on the noon LGA-BOS shuttle but arrived at LGA at 9:26am or so. The ticket counter agent was able to confirm me on the 10am in Y, and while she was doing so she made a discreet phone call. I only heard my last name being spelled out, by I suspect she might have been talking to the gate agent for my new flight, informing them that they had a new #1 on the upgrade list who was still at the ticket counter and asking them to clear the list properly. Regardless of whether the ticket counter and gate agents conversed, I got to the gate at 9:45am and was handed a new BP for F. So, credit where credit is due, at least to the gate agent for following proper upgrade procedures, and maybe to the ticket counter agent for helping her colleague at the gate do so!