Originally Posted by LAX
This is under the assumption that the deemed superior seat is in the same class of service as the ticketed passenger. Although an exit row seat and a bulkhead seat are still technically Y seats, they are often reserved for elites and passengers who pay a premium for the added comfort.
Under the same class of service principle...
If an elite is able to be assigned a (n exit row) seat when traveling under a deep discount fare (class of service), a non-elite traveling under the same fare is entitled to sit in such a seat that is unoccupied later in the flight.