Originally Posted by
Christefan
That was my point. Delta's policy states that they will process the UG list of confirmed passengers BEFORE taking on first class standbys. Therefore you will never get into FC on IRROP since I can't remember having ever seen a flight with an empty UG list for first.
But there is one F/J seat kept open (at least on A330/767 flights, not sure about smaller aircraft) until time of boarding (not reflected in seatmap, seatmap showing all full), that is available for F/J purchase or irrops/standby/SDC (with seat assignment at gate).
So IME in case of an F/J pax needing to get on at the last minute (<24 hours out), unless the flight is less than full, the first passenger to get on the list may be able to get on, but not more than one, not unless some F/J pax are no shows. Meaning one will confirm into the blocked seat, but not more than one.
Saying this based on several experiences where it's proven to be case, and having it been so confirmed by the GAs as well.