ncorman is right re the connection time. We departed from IAD very late for our 'continuation flight" out of ORD and when we departed, UAL had not decided whether or not the plane from ORD-NRT would be held to accommodate the late arriving pax from IAD and we did not know until 10 minutes before landing whether or not we would make the flight- even though our flight from IAD had the same flight number. Turns out that they did hold the flight or it was delayed for another reason, but they had given away our seats and upgrade opportunity. The gate agents were apologetic, but it seemed that since we were on a flight that was merely continuing through ORD and UAL knew where we were, since we had checked in at IAD,that we should have had our seat assignments protected. Bad enought to have 4 coach seats to Asia, but middle seats near the galley were not our choice. Bottom line- change of gauge is a potential problem re connection time nad segment counting for upgades.


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