I earn most my elite miles flying US-Europe--in coach. The ultimate luxury is to have the neighboring seat empty (read: sleep easy, not scrunch & bump).

Is there a way to maximize the chance of this happening on CO (or NW or KL)?

Would it be best to book the aisle seat in the CENTER section in Premium coach seating in a 2-3-2 configuration--versus the seat on the '2' side (because other elites or anyday passengers are more likely to request the window or aisle on the 2-side)?

Do CO or NW or KL actually wait till the last minute to assign non-elite people to the elite sections--or does it not really make a difference as far as empty seats, whether one is sitting in the premium coach area?

Just curious! Any insights appreciated!