possible workaround to close in full fare problem
 

Here's the deal. It seems that full fare scenarios are becoming increasingly common as flight dates approach. I was talking to a friend at lunch about this today and he told me that his solution is to buy really cheap tickets (~10 days) out and then show up at the airport on the day he wants to fly. According to him, he gets way with this strategy 80% of the time (without getting repriced).

Hmm...interesting. I can see where it could work if the flight isn't full, if the airline thinks they'll have no walk-up takers at full fare, and if the clerk is somewhat on the ball to this. Question: when he tries this strategy, does he go directly to the check-in desks, or does he first stop over at ticketing/sales to get his ticket updated? (I assumed the latter)

Check-in desks.

which airline? I know it is nearly impossible for Air China.