Originally Posted by
oskidunker
i thought I read somewhere that they start filling unassigned seats from the front.
Typically, yes. but also unless a pax is entitled to E+, from the front would start at E- in economy, unless the pax is eligible for E+. Of course, if its an employee on standby, they'd get E+ is available. That's why pre-kids, when it was just two of us traveling, or when I travel by myself, I tried to book closer to the back of E+. Because save for a full flight, it was the place where the extra seat would be most likely to stay empty.
I do also wonder if they are taking social distancing into account now when they can. If they would seat standbys/BE in more empty rows wherever it is when possible vs. front to back.