My MSP-IND connecting flight was cancelled yesterday and I was rebooked on a later flight. I had a J fare paid ticket and was a assigned a coach seat in the main cabin. They put me on the upgrade list for first and comfort but I was number 15 out of 20 for first and about the same for comfort. The agent at the Skyclub said he was because I was a Gold Medallion and people with a higher status (even though booked in coach as confirmed by the agent) were ahead of me on the list.

I always thought a paid first class ticket would have priority over anyone with a coach ticket. Is that not true?