Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Still going through ORD security when boarding has already started
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Hyatt Disco, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,322
It seems to me, that what is happening is that UA is overselling E- and are then forced to op-up people into E+.
I would like to think that they would be more inclined to move a *G or even *S into E+ than some non-status flyer.
It is unlikely that you will be able to get an E+ seat before day of travel, but certainly it never hurts to ask at the gate - the worst thing they can say is "no."