Originally Posted by
flyerCO
This scheme is why a number of airlines stopped allowing mileage upgrades within X hours/days of departure. People were booking seats never intending to fly, canceling at last minute and then upgrading to now empty seat.
If they were smart about it, they would book a seat in someone else’s name and then cancel it. All you need is a name and birthday for someone else.
There are people who would legitimately book two flights within hours of each other. A business traveler who doesn’t know when their meeting would end and needs to be at the destination ASAP. Would be cheaper to book two flights in advance than a last minute walk up fare or hoping to stand by.