Originally Posted by Wrong Way
Better you should fill that seat at the last minute with flyers willing to pay a few extra points or whatever for it at boarding time than just let the seat vanish. At least the airline gets something for their effort. Even if they gave the seats away to selected customers there would be a buzz and PR driving up AC's numbers.
I'm going to have to dissagree with you on this one.
Two things:
If you simply upgrade people at the gate to fill the J cabin fewer people will buy J seats and just try their luck with an upgade.
And second it cheapens the J cabin. Driving off the true premium customer who values the exclusivity of the front of the plane.
While this may not be as true on domestic routes, it is very true for the international routes.
IMHO, this would have a negative impact or at least be revenue neutral.
My feeling is that if you want to sit up front, pay for it or use one of the means available to you.