There were probably no problems with the reservation. The problem was likely getting the right cryptic SHARES commands to reissue your ticket. While 45 minutes is certainly excessive, even for SHARES, a lengthy rebooking process is to be prepared for when dealing with CO rebooks.

If there's one agent and multiple VDBs, it could be a while before you're on your way.

First come, first served definitely seems to be the rule.

I recently flew a non-stop transcon from California to EWR and they called for volunteers about 60 minutes prior to departure. The GA also announced what the alternative flights would be and they worked for me.

I was the third (and last) person to get to the podium to volunteer behind one male (first in line) and one female (second). The GA took my BP and I filled out the form. As I was completing the form the GA placed my BP on her counter next to the BPs from the other two volunteers. I noticed that they had no status (I'm very tall and it's easy for me to see over the top shelf).

Later they called me and the female to the counter and told us they didn't need our seats. I boarded and never saw the male (first in line) board so I assume he got the VDB.

So much for status making a difference .

I relaize it's the prerogative of the GA to take who they want in a VDB situation, but at least with PMUA status counted for something.

OBTW, the offer was for a coach seat and $250 in credits. I thought this was pretty low for a transcon.

For me - no offense, but I will show my side of DYKWIA...AFAIK, it is still an official policy to VDB based on status.

I will simply let them IDB instead. $250?

I would love to have that verified by someone. As I mentioned, even with PMUA GAs had a lot of discretion to bypass the status ordered list, but at least it was a starting point and as a 1K I could push a bit using that as a basis. So far with sCO flights the FCFS approach seems to be the only thing that matters.

My strategy going forward may be to only volunteer once the auction/offer is increased to something closer to $400.

Personally, I can't verify that. But I did ask a PMUA GA in ORD before. And it seems it is the policy (although they have discretion on who to pick).

Flying another MR tomorrow, including a FLL-EWR segment. At the moment, CO.com status is showing FLL-EWR has Economy being full, with First open (only 3 seats open, showing on KVS). Hopefully we'll have a few missed connections or standbys that the GA needs a volunteer for.

As my itinerary is four segments, and FLL-EWR is segment 3/4, anyone have an idea if its worth trying to get on a VDB list early, or should I just be first at the gate?

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Missed connections or standby will not make the flight overbooked.

For missed connections, they are booked in the next available flight. So they will be put into the flight if they have inventory.

For standby, always the lowest priority, any seats left.

You did not say about that KVS 3 seat in what fare classes. But since there are not too many flight to EWR, I will say you should reconsider before you take anything.

But I don't think there is anything to offer anyway.

FWIW, it's not uncommon for misconnects to be forced onto flights with no shown inventory, especially if they are statused passengers with no other reasonable reaccommodation.

UA is very good about doing this. In ORD, for example, they'll often purposefully zero out a flight on an IRROPS day and then the planners can allocate the space as they see fit. So a flight that may be over by 2 with an authorization of 12 over will show F0 Y0, and the computer can't book the space. But a planner or 1K desk can get you on.

FWIW - You are right

But in general - those passengers will not be stuck in that capacity.