Let's say I'm Gold - and I checked in at the 24 hour window - when the flight was A2 D2 F0, meaning that there were two empty seats, but they were not released to be upgradeable yet.

Theoretically, EUA runs that night - the seats are still not released, so I don't get one.


Let's say that two Silver Elites check in the next day (prior to the 3 hour window), and the flight is now showing A2 D2 F2, and the system asks if they'd like to upgrade. They say yes, and snag the F seats.

Since I already checked in, I don't get looked at for an upgrade until the 3 hour EUA window - but by then, the two F seats are gone.

For me, it's a tradeoff. Not being Plat - I'd rather check in earlier, so I can get the exit row seats (if they are free) - but if there are still seats that have not been released to F, then I jeapordize my chances for an upgrade.

This seems to simplistic - I would have to imagine that the system would prevent someone from taking an F seat if there are already people on the waiting list for an upgrade.