Originally Posted by
PupManS
So this week I am again on a M fare (6 day advance) where D1 was sold out. 5 days in advance I called and waitlisted a RUC (no sense saving them as I have like 10 expiring at end of year).
When it rolled to the gate list today I was number 1 on the list and have been all day. So it's one data point, but flying same exact flight week to week, on the same high fare, with the same characteristics, RUC listed well in advance = #1 on the list. RUC listed 6 hours prior to departure = #4-5-6 on the list.
I mean, how I apply RUCs, especially if I am swimming in ones about to expire, is absolutely to check in for the flight, and let people percolate into the list. As a DM/MM/Corporate/Reserve often traveling on K+ fares, I expect I'll show up near the top of the list, but if it's 2 seats open and I'm 4 on the list, I call and apply a RUC and hopefully move up to #1/#2 on the list and grab one on the battlefield for the remaining two. However, I am not alone in this strategy, your post case in point. How many of us are there with these certificates rolled over for 2 years, at the end of their year, and a lot of people's end of status, let alone DM... Sure, you showed up 6 amongst 5 other people savvy enough to do the same thing you did. That's my assumption.