Why dont you just not fly UA if you hate the airline so much? Out of principle, until they give you E+ that you feel you are entitled to because you fly 100k on their competitor every year....

Good luck sneaking into E+, when they question you, just start waving your Aeroplan card and scream I am SUPER Elite.... But dont forget to tell them its nothing of value anyway...

EZESE it would seem your gripe lies with Air Canada for allowing *A elites access to AC's premium seating as an added benefit. UA has chosen a different business model and they are free within the terms of Star Alliance to do so. You as the consumer have the choice to fly with them and be bound by their terms and conditions. Just as I have the choice to fly AC or any other airline and be bound by their terms. We are all still bound by the law.

Granted, certain destinations warrant the exclusive use of one carrier, though I have to say that AC has a more monopolistic position than UA does in many respects, and sometimes consumers like us don't have a choice.

You still haven't given me a convincing argument that it is justifiable to take a product you are otherwise not entitled to. Your only reasoning it seems is "AC lets UA elites take our premium seats for free." I think the last time I heard an argument along those lines was at the playground.

This thread was started to report on the issue at hand (UA E+ with AC*E). Please report your experiences and advice and leave politics for another thread. One may have different views on airline policies but this is really taking it too far. If discussing the fairness of AC vs UA premium seating restrict yourselves to OBJECTIVE arguments!

Your initial question does seem to have opened up a powder keg. I hope that you have been able to find some answers to the question you raised. I guess it can be summarized as follows:

E+ to *G not by default.
OLCI for free, maybe by chance/luck
Check-in, maybe, depending on Agent
Gate Agent, maybe, depending on Agent
On Board, probably buy up or march of shame back to assigned seat

The only way you can be guaranteed the seat would be to pay for it if they are available.

IME when checking in a non-status holder, if they didn't already have an E- seat assigned and OLCI doesn't offer a seat, it will offer you the buy-up. Don't bite, and take your chance. It will usually result in an assigned E+ seat.

If you value seat selection, then I would advise to pay as this will give you some flexibility. (I'd take an E- aisle over an E+ middle any day).

Only because I was a 1K years ago when UA was a REAL airline!

Asked and answered.

Simon
Moderator - AC/AE