Originally Posted by
Chris1200
Thanks very much, both. Can I ask why is it that BA even offers this option if there is such a slim chance that First will be open? I understand that there's a tiny chance a load of CW bookings will come in last minute and they'll be glad to have the ability to sell more seats... but why suddenly open it up two days before the flight?
As far as I can tell, the decision to open it a couple of days before the flight, is made by a computer, much the same way that it decides where to move the divide between CE and ET on shorthaul. This seems to happen on almost any flight where there is a reasonable CW load. At some point before the flight a human then closes it off again and punts everyone out into middle CW seats. Finally the actual decision to open it on the day is made by FMU for LHR/LGW departures, or the station manager for outstation departures (whether that be for friends of the station manager or those who are willing to provide some financial encouragement - I'm looking at you CAI)