Originally Posted by XStAnt
I don't know any FF program that gives elites a different choice of seats than a non-elite flyer. Airlines want to sell seats and if they have one available they'll sell it to anyone. Hasn't that always been the case?
United is the only Airline/FFP that does this in any significant way.
The coach section from the exits forward on most planes is the E+ section, with 34" to 36" of legroom and can only be pre-reserved by elites or full fare coach travelers. This almost always leaves plenty of good seats unassigned up until the day of the flight for last minute business travelers and/or elites.
There's a difference between selling a seat and getting a seat assignment. United will sell the plane full (or overbook), but will not allow non-elites to pre-reserve the premium seats in E+. Furthermore, only when E- becomes full do they put non-elites in E+ without charge, and only then the day of the flight.
Its amazing to me, in monitoring many of the different boards on here, how many flyertalkers do not fully understand United's E+ program. IF many Flyertalkers don't understand its benefits, then you can be sure John Q. Public has no clue.