Originally Posted by
frankp01
... If the flight's not full, since there's a charge for it, I'm hoping the third seat won't get taken. ...
Honestly, that's a strategy that has a high failure and you may not know until very close to depart when BasicEconomy and NRSA seating is done. And any irrops of other flights could have an impact. Plus preferred seats at check-in are free to all.