Family flying SFO-PAE last eve, flight is over by 4 checked-in. Gate agents are desperate for volunteers. Upon OLCI offer is for $250 for a later flight, then at gate offer goes to $500, then 600, then 700! Boarding is a bit delayed while they cajole and repeat themselves, finally securing 4 volunteers. Offer includes hotel as replacement flight is the next morning. Mr. Bayareafamily and offspring volunteer, and their seats are reassigned.. But then, ta-da, miracle, the family (party of 5, I think) seats were given to does not appear and they are not needed last minute.

But here's the wild part - manager, and she gives her name, says the 4 volunteers will be emailed $100 vouchers for offering and waiting until last-minute etc. Really?! I have never seen that happen before, but haven't done the VDB in a long time. I am wondering how likely it is the email will show up... will just see and wait and I guess contact customer care if it does not in a few days. Super nice, given they made the flight... is this just being happy they got off easy compared to all they were offering, or this is how AS rolls these days? Not knocking it, just surprised!