Originally Posted by rhodgkin01

My first post on this site, so I apologize if this is the wrong thread to post this question.
My wife and I recently flew to Hawaii and back using our reward miles. As Gold members it would seems we were put on some kind of upgrade list. We did not get an upgrade on either flight and remained in our economy class seats… no problem.
What I found interesting was that on both legs we were seated next to two rows of extra leg room seats that were unoccupied.
When we got home I contacted AA to ask what constitutes an upgrade if we were not put into these extra leg room seats? I was told those seats were held for people that wished to pay the extra for them.
Is it me, or is it that if that is the philosophy you would never get upgraded.
Any insight from anyone?