Did Online checkin on my XS award ticket yesterday. Added my United Silver number. Was not offered a free bag or a free seat up front. Couldn't get exit for for free. I did get their economy plus seating but i think the only benefit is its closer to the exit, it sure didnt have more legroom. I also suspect that was just the randomly assigned seat, nothing to do with *S. There was no kiosk at Santa Marta airport so I wasn't able to see if I could fix anything with the kiosk. I had two small backpacks that I carried onboard with no issue, despite my boarding pass saying NO BAG. Boarding pass also showed UA*S.

I have another flight next week out of Medellin, so I can try the kiosk but I have a huge bag to check-in so I can't risk it and will have to shell out for that. I'll report back if I can select an up front seat.

Since someone else had luck with OLCI and their *G, I suspect they closed a loophole for *S. Was nice while it lasted!