Witnessed a first tonight at MSP - agent kept paging two individuals on the flight. I figured it was gate upgrades, however, it turned out to be the exact opposite. No change of equipment, no broken seats...and F was booked to 18 on an A319. The first passenger eventually showed and made a huge scene, arguing that she booked back in December (sounds like an award) and was entitled to a First Class seat. The second passenger eventually showed and was given the script "Our operations department overbooked First Class by two and you are unfortunately one of the passengers being moved to coach - all I have is a middle seat. Sorry!".

Is this something new to come? Get the upgrade at the last minute and worry about getting bumped to coach?