Originally Posted by
bob12403
.... Is there a smart procedure for her to wrangle a free E+ seat at OLCI (or the airport)? ......
While that could happen, there are a lot of seat assignment dynamics that can change the situation. Partial quote of this thread's wiki
Originally Posted by wiki
Does this mean those without seat assignments are guaranteed or even most likely to get "free" E+? While may happen, it is far from a guaranteed. There are many reasons that E- seats will become available at the gate
- Some E- passengers at check-in may take up UA’s E+ offer.
- UA Premier Silvers elites can move from E- to E+ for free at check-in.
- Preferred seating opens up to everyone at check-in
- No shows for personal reasons or disrupted travel plans will free up seats.
- If UA was blocking E- seats, they will become available at the gate,
Does it make sense if E- looks full (and E+ is open) not to make an seat assignment in hopes of getting "free" E+?
This may work but the risk is E- seats do open up at the gate and you get a terrible E- seat assignment. Of course, if your choice is already bad E- seats then there's much less downside.
How will the overflow (if that happens) be seated in E+ ?
There is no know proscribed process. Many GAs will fill E+ starting at the front and working back. Some, if there is enough space, will leave middles open. But there is nothing one can be guaranteed. Some passengers may try to request certain seats, including exit rows.
If the remaining seat is a E- middle, there is little harm in waiting but a risk of waiting too long and middles are available is a middle E- assignment by the computer.