Originally Posted by
The Situation
I concur with the "don't get too excited" comment. It is extremely difficult if not impossible to SDC on a coach fare. SDS can be accomplished, but that requires sitting at the gate, hoping there is space available, and willing to take the worst seat left of the a/c. The written rules are a little more generous if you are booked (not upgraded) to the W or F cabin (if you are upgraded you play by the rules of your coach fare), but usually agents make up their own rules and you will do a lot of HUCA. No you will not get the $75 fee waived for companions...there was a thread not too long ago regarding the same subject and that is probably the hardest fee to get waived in the entire system.
This is only true for free medallion complimentary upgrades. You also must reclear medallion upgrades on new flight. Upgrades using RUC/GUC/miles result in it being treated as an F ticket and no needing to reclear. Note, agents frequently get this last part wrong.