Go Nonrev, or keep my seat...what to do...

Great forum, I haven't need it much, because flying non rev is fairly simple, always something unexpected..and that is part of what makes it easy for me, I can roll with the punches with a smile.



I have a long haul flight this weekend, and wondering how to play a possible situation.

The day I am flying for weeks now has shown 'good' numbers of open seating in the first two cabins up to the last hour before boarding...been watching...

I DO have a discounted guaranteed seat way back in the village, and an aisle seat. I can ambien myself away back there if I need to.

But..as of right -now- I would be the only non rev request to fly in first, and only the 2nd requested non rev flier on this date with >50 seats open, and >15 of them in the first two cabins at this time (days to go before travel)..and I know that can change. The view I have to the available numbers is United, if that helps.

And I know it's super bad to have an SA request AND a paid ticket in the system at the same time. I'll never do that.

Question in..what strategy -may- look good to dump the paid ticket while sitting at the gate, and request a non rev first class assignment IF the numbers after the 48 and 24hr upgrades still look good?

Worst case I get some middle seat somewhere. ;)



Sorry for the long winded post, I hope it makes sense. I'm not new to non rev, just haven't tried to really find the edges of the system to get that good seating really yet.

Thanks for any input.

That is a big no no. Most airlines prohibit you from holding a confirmed ticket, canceling then trying to nonrev. You risk losing your nonrev benefits if you are caught. The only possible way this could work would be to cancel your ticket then try to nonrev the day before or day after, not the same day.

Ok, thanks for the clarification.

I have been looking at some days before my ticket, that seem hopeful as well, that would be different.

Thank you.