I flew from ORD to SEA last night on United Airlines. As a Premier Executive member, I was able to reserve an exit row seat in coach a week ago. When I went to check in, they had given my seat away to someone else. All that was left were middle seats on the 767. I was very pleasant about the dilemma and let the gate agent know how dissapointed I was and how I was a Northwest Gold convert. He asked to hold on to my boarding pass and have a seat in the waiting area. Not once did I ever go up to him and disturb him again and I waited for everyone to board the plane. When the line for boarding was down to a few, he paged me up to the podium and gave me a new boarding pass and thanked me for being so pleasant. I glanced down to see my seat assignment was 1J. Gave him a big smile and handshake and was on my way!

The grilled halibut dinner was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and milk during the movie...

This is the 6th time this year I have been able to get upgraded without coupons (first time on United). It goes to show you how a little bit of respect and civility can get you more in the long run.