Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: CTU/TFU(Chengdu, Sichuan, China) - MIG (Mianyang, Sichuan, China) - EWR/JFK/LGA/HPN (Great New York City Metro Area, NY, USA) - HVN/BDL (New Haven/Hartford, CT, USA)
Programs: UA 1MM/F9 Diamond; Marriott Lifetime Gold; IHG Platinum; Choice Privileges Platinum
Posts: 984
I have been told that DL will not automatically release those so-called elite seats to non-elites. They would rather leave them empty other than give them to non-elite members without request. They also mentioned that they always have last minute crew members getting on the flight who deserve those seats. I always request those seats 15-30 minutes before departure to make sure that gate agents would not think me as too picky. I have been on quite a few DL flights that the front coach cabin is very empty but the rear cabin is packed.