Free upgrades vs paying
 

Had a frustrating experience on a recent flight from Den to PDX. 20 minutes before boarding the GA announced that anyone who wanted a "free" upgrade should come to the counter. How is granting a free upgrade in anyway good business to all that paid for an upgrade when booking or checking in? I paid an additional $21 to upgrade.

One of the Elite benefits is a free same day upgrade if space is available. You paid for an upgrade and were guaranteed a seat well in advanceof getting to the gate. You alos got to pick your seat.. People who upgrade at the gate are less likely to get one. .

I''ve seen a case or two where they have wanted to put at least one or two people in an otherwise empty exit row (usually row 13). If the plane was exceptionally light on load maybe they'd have reason to try to put more people in rows 1-3 for weight/balance, but outside of that I don't think they should give that away.