As a newbie and 1st year ff-er, Ken has got a lot of questions…

From the posts, I assume that 757-200 has only two classes. If I remember correctly, there is really no difference among the 1st class seats, right?

A year ago I flew 1st on an award ticket. The outbound leg was 1st on a 2 class connecting flight (BOS-DEN-LAX) while the return leg was a direct LAX-BOS flight. On the e-ticket receipt, it had printed "confirmed first" on both flights. While boarding the returning flight, I found out I had a business class seat.

Being a newbie and not knowing that my award tix is only for the next class of service, I argued (politely) that I should be seated on a confirmed first seat as my receipt had shown. They relented and I ended up in the middle seat on a 2-1-2 seating. It was quite enjoyable. My question is: has this happened to anyone? Is this a reliable (albeit sneaky) way to get a double upgrade?

Last question (slightly off the topic here): I want to change the return leg for my 1/4/98 LAX-BOS trip from a red eye to sometime in the afternoon. I assume UA's official policy for changing the itinerary is $75 and difference in price of tickets. Has anyone been hit with either or both? What is the best way to avoid them e.g. call the 800 reserv #, or go to a ticket office, or go to the PremEx line at the time of the afternoon flight and request a standby?

Thanks again for the tips.