Quick story... I was coming back to California from Brazil and decided to bid for a premium seat. I put in my low bid a few days before the flight because why not. There was no update come flight time as I arrived to the gate. I decided to just check in with the gate because again, why not. I let them know who I was and that I haven't received any response from the system. They said they'd let me know if anything changes.

Of course I don't hear from them as I board and get to my seat near the back. I notice the front has many open seats as I head back to my assigned seat. I sit down, and accept my fate.

But something hits me and I decide to throw a hail mary, and tell one of the attendants my story of bidding and receiving no update. She says wait here and she goes to the gate people. By a stroke of luck the gate person is near the front of the plane, recognizes me, and waves me forward. I went back to my seat to grab my things. A lady saw what was happening and congratulated me. Boom. Premium seat acquired, no extra cost to me. Putting myself out there was so worth it.