Choosing Priority Seat = decrease chance of Op-Up?
 

After a couple of trans-continental flights, I've finally managed to climb the MPO ladder will achieve gold status after this upcoming trip.

I was wondering whether any of you will know whether choosing a Y priority exit row/bulkhead seat (which is free for MPO members) may decrease your chance of an Op-upgrade as the seat assigned to you is also considered an 'at cost' seat and they may not put someone in that seat instead of you if there is no mechanism to pay for it? :eek:

I pick only exit row seats on all my long-haul travels, and all of my op-up came when I was originally assigned an exit-row seat, so no it doesn't decrease your chances.

Also, I would say it probably encourages them as they would make more money. On a few occasions the pax next to me would say they paid $50 USD (not $100 USD) in the last minute to get this seat. This shows me that even when exit row is open, say via op-up or any other reasons, gate-agents won't just give it to anybody, but if you have no elite status you will need to pay for it (although it does seem a discount is available.)

As a gold, I also pick extra legroom or 1st row bulkhead seats in all my flights (when flying Y) and have been op-up'd about 40% of the time.

I would also say it doesn't decrease your chances at all. Don't forget a low BN though :)

Simple answer: No. Never experienced this issue (as a CX DM). I frequently am booked into the priority seats and my op-up rate seems unchanged.

I also pick only exit-row and bulkhead seats for all my Y flights, and have been op-upped about every 1 in 3 regional flights (as a SL). Only 1 or 2 on longhauls though.