Originally Posted by
kyleclogan
I know it isn’t United, but it’s at least somewhat of a data point. Pre-COVID, I had the lowest AA status, which allowed MCE (E+) at T-24. I was 100% for hitting those seats at check in on domestic, business heavy routes. Even today, I notice that there are always MCE seats at check in
That's because some elites previously in MCE seats got upgraded at or prior to T-24. Same thing happens on UA flights, plus elites can SDC at T-24, potentially freeing up more E+ space.
But of course I can't say that's 100%, and you may only end up getting a middle E+ seat. That's especially true on sold-out Hawaii flights.