Originally Posted by nsx
Something is missing here. Seats are not released until 10 minutes before scheduled departure.
Sounds like there were no seats to release.
For example, imagine a situation where 137 people all check in more than an hour prior to departure. If you try to check in at 45 minutes prior to departure you're out of luck as there are already 137 people checked in for 137 seats. You'll have to wait and see if any of those checked in people no-show (at 10 minutes prior to departure) or hope that someone will volunteer to give up their seat.