Originally Posted by BOS-NWA
I wonder, if you are allowed do a dummy-reservation for the flights you already booked.
This way, technically since you are 1P you should be able to see if your next seat is available to you or not.....
Yes you can. I do this sometimes just to get a feel on how full the flight will be (though not accurate). When this is done, as an elite, the next seat should show the block. However, it's much easier to see the seat blocking in effect on seat maps that are still wide open.
For me the E+ seat is the main benefit, the seat blocking is just an extra. I'd much prefer UA being able to sell more seats than having those seats remaining empty.