What are some of the reasons passengers at the gate get called up to the podium?

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

When we flew yesterday, several times I heard passengers get called up the the podium, (while sitting in the correct gate area).

I suspect some were standby, some may have taken 'bumps'---but perhaps there are MULTIPLE reasons. It just made me wonder.

So TUGgers, other than a 'lost and found' situation---why all the calls to the podium?

I don't know whether to be glad that I've never been called----or am I
missing out on something special?

 

[short]

On my last United flight there were several people had to get seat assignments at the gate. Others were flying standby. I was called up when I received my upgrade.

People who have volunteered for bumps are usually called up at the very end after the airline decides if they need thier seat or not.

Short

 

[bogey21]

First Class upgrades often the main one

George

 

[pjrose]

those who volunteered to be bumped, who requested upgrades, who requested seat changes...I've been all of the above.

 

[Karen G]

could be employees flying standby or family/friends using guest passes

 

[TUGBrian]

vast majority of that is people getting their standby seat assignments/ seat changes/ seat upgrades

 

[geekette]

Sometimes on international layovers we've had to go show our passports. I think it was because the first flight wasn't with that airline.

 

[MuranoJo]

When I used to fly a lot, it was always to get an upgrade, whether using a free certificate or just a complimentary unsolicited upgrade. Those were the good times (the upgrades, not flying a lot), and doesn't happen to me anymore.

Agree, I think a lot these days is standby.