Whose seat did I take?
As part of the US meltdown over the weekend, my SRQ to DCA flight was cancelled. The Sarasota, FL (SRQ) to Washington, National (DCA) flight in coach (I guess during busy season on Saturdays only they use a 737 vs. a RJ) was $200+ and FC was $350. So I purchased FC.
Since there are no other SRQ flights to anywhere but CLT and there was only one person working the counter (no FC line) - I quickly realized that it would take three hours just to get rebooked. After many busy signals, I did manage to get through to the CP line - which (since I'm no longer a CP, rather a FTD Gold but I didn't know the number since I don't have my new card yet), it dropped me into Gold waiting pool which had a 207 minute wait.
Choices were three hours to get rebooked and three and half hours on hold, so I got back in the car and went to TPA where there are more options.
Finally got to the counter and they say they best they can do is put me on stand-by for a 4:00 flight. However, this is a flight leaving in 15 minutes and since you only have carry-on, if you get through security you might be able to make it. Get to the gate at 11:45 and Flight 1146 was supposed to leave at 11:42. Fortunately, they were late and just started boarding those needing extra assistance. Went to the counter.
Me: Can I get on the waitlist for this flight, if it helps, I do have a full fare FC ticket (thinking if they haven't called the upgrades yet, I might get a seat)? GA: Nope, FC is completely full, but I'll put you on the waitlist for coach. (proceeds to add my name to the waitlist)
GA: What's that (boarding card bumps into her knee). Must be for you. Looks at the boarding card. Congradulations, its your lucky day, you got on. Starts to hand me the card, then notices its 2A and says "first class too".
Q: Whose seat did I take?
I did see an employee board (not in uniform) as a jump seat traveller. Hugged both the flight attendents when boarding and asked the gate agent which seat - 17E (or something like that). Was the GA saving the FC seat for their collegue? With 2 FAMs and one non-rev that would be a full 25% of the FC seats taken by non-revenue passengers.