That is odd NYgal. I try to avoid Houston too. It can be a long way between gates. We booked free AA seats for Nov way way in advance. Went from Austin to DFW and we got a free 1st class upgrade to BZE. Coach was full and no one was in 1st. Told the gate agent it was my b-day and my wife needed the room to stretch her injured knee. Despite what they tell you gate/ticket agents can do anything including upgrading a free ticket. My motto is it never hurts to ask.