Originally Posted by
MikeBOS
They will also tell you that the flight has "checked in full", even when some people may not board because they checked in online and decided not to travel. In this case, again, the upgrade is often given out randomly, and once you board you have no chance of getting it (there would be work involved in going on the plane to find you).
In other AA cities, I have seen much more predictable behavior that attempts to conform to the rules, but I wouldn't get my hopes up in BOS. I think your best shot will be getting on the good side of the gate agent.
"Checked in full" announcements happen everywhere, unfortunately. I have to give a big thumbs up to DFW on handling of this, though. Last three times through they've come onboard to get upgraders and move them. First two time it involved me/my wife. This past time I got mine at the gate and was seated. After all boarding, GA comes on board to get someone and ask him is he still wanted his upgrade.
Mind you, this was a 10:10PM DFW-SFO flight that was delayed until almost 12:15AM due to a sick FA. We were tired, GAs were clearly tired...and he still went to this effort ^^
Cheers.