Originally Posted by
172pilot
This is either not true or something has changed. A few years ago, I was moved from my pre-selected seat to another on a paid J ticket since my original seat was inoperative. As I boarded, I could hear the GA explaining to an eUpgrade that the seat was available but was broken. I think it was the recline. She ultimately took the upgrade since the seat was occupied.
Once the seat is snagged as U/S in the cabin log they cannot use it until cleared by maintenance. This was at an out station (CDG) which they do have contract MTC but I'm assuming choose to not delay the flight and instead move me back. I was pleased the GA gave me window PE with no one seated beside me which took some of the disappointment away.