Originally Posted by
The Mikado
Up until 2 months ago or so, I was able to look at the full FC and coach seat maps while just browsing the flights.
The process you describe works fine for me. I have definitely had problems with first class being grayed out when changing an existing economy ticket, but if I do a new search for first class, and click on the seat map, I see it.
If you'd like to give a sample search, people can try to replicate it.
This is probably a good time to point out that there is an entire, large thread about UA changing seat assignments without notification or recourse.