Moderately frequent United flier here, flying a lot of basic economy (unless I find a cheap cash upgrade):
I review the seatmap on the United app for empty rows (but not exit rows) immediately prior to boarding. If there is an empty row that I fancy, I board in group 2 (brandishing my Explorer Card, having already used my two United Club passes and two $50 hotel credits for rando positioning airport hotels [shout out…
I review the seatmap on the United app for empty rows (but not exit rows) immediately prior to boarding. If there is an empty row that I fancy, I board in group 2 (brandishing my Explorer Card, having already used my two United Club passes and two $50 hotel credits for rando positioning airport hotels [shout out Charlotte Red Roof Inn for $49]), and firmly and quietly sit down in my chosen empty row. I have done this dozens of times, and not been called out in it. I then relax, deploy my laptop on one tray table, my mouse on another tray table, and observe the jammed domestic first class cabin featuring bad food and free-flowing poison while I complete remunerative tasks.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.
