I was on the continuing flight DEN PHX today (55min late)

I tried to upgrade but the GA said all seats in rows 1-3 were already booked. I had 11d so it was no biggie.

Interestingly, the "fully booked" forward cabin included at least 6 NRSAs including the captain's wife and two sons. They ran out of seats for SA's forward and one very nice lady who worked for UA wound up sitting next to me in 11E.

It was the only middle seat occupied in the E+ section (row 6-11). So much for 1K seat blocking.

The FA in the announcments even reminded pax that the forward lav was for forward cabin psgrs only.

Have no idea if cocktails were free up there. It was 2pm. A little early for me anyhow.