Originally Posted by
SkyLich
How on earth would they ascertain intention?
It's inferred.
People have had their frequent flyer status revoked and even been sued by the airline for repeatedly engaging in this or similar conduct.
Originally Posted by
BearX220
You could be taking a seat off the table when someone else in an emergency situation desperately needs it.
That's a stretch. The airlines assume some percentage of cancels - that's how overbooking occurs. And if the flight is full, the seat will go to a standby.