Originally Posted by
EXP100
AA (and other airlines) have invested quite a bit to know how many seats they can oversell a particular flight but not have to bump people in the end because that cost money. Most situations today are like playing the lottery, nice if you hit it big but nothing you'd ever count on happening. One off situations happen, a huge event in a city, flights to Hawaii around the winter holidays but for the most part hit the button on the app if you'd like but the only thing you will get out of it is a bit of exercise for your finger.
Yes it is for collecting data points to make the process more efficient for when that situation arises. I’ve seen actual offers being contemplated a handful of times over the past few years. Most recently was on UA SCE-ORD where they got up to $1.5k plus lodging and recommendations. By the time I went up to the counter to claim it (needed to figure out my alternative travel plans) someone else claimed it!