Originally Posted by andywaw

Anyway, I called UA. The assistant first told me preferred seats are paid seats and was really surprised I got the seat when I made the booking. She claimed my status is irrelevant.
After I pointed out I still have a preferred seat on another flight in the same reservation, she was puzzled and put me on hold.
After 2 or 3 minutes on hold she said she got me back to the preferred seat. No explanation though, so UA rules are mystery to me.