Originally Posted by
exerda
True, although that is when it pays to have a seat assignment (although in approaching oversell situations, I believe .bomb doesn't allow GMs / non-MP members to even choose seats, claiming they must be assigned at the airport). Pax with a seat assignment are in much better shape than those without!
It also pays to be checked in on time (via the Web, IMHO) so that one's seat doesn't become released and given to someone else, leaving that person in an "oversold" position and waiting for a seat via a no-show / VDB / an op-up to free up a seat.
I made the mistake years ago, as a 2P, of missing the check-in window for my flight and got a dreaded DM card for the last IAD-ROA flight of the day. I managed to get onboard, but barely. I couldn't believe all the college kids who were refusing a VDB (which I should have taken; the GA offered it to me and a seat on the next morning's flight, plus hotel, etc.; I was afraid of calling in late to work due to that at the time, though).
Non elites are able to select seats online. They just can't select seats in E+ and seats in a few other rows.
You check-ed in late for a flight and the agent offered you VDB compensation, a hotel, and a confirmed seat the next day? Wow...I guess that agent didn't know what s/he was doing, because all you really get when you check-in late is the opportunity to standby for the next available flight or pay to get confirmed.