As reported on Flyertalk, this is a "soft launch", the official announcement will be October 1st:
Quote:
CO Elite Access to United Economy Plus and United Domestic First - From 09/13/2010
ECONOMY PLUS
Continental Elite members will have first-come, first-served complimentary access to United Economy Plus seating on the day of departure. Assignment into the Economy Plus area can only be handled by an airport agent, and cannot be performed via OLCI, kiosks, or through United Reservations.
Access to Economy Plus seating for Continental Elites is valid on all United and United Express operated flights worldwide.
UPGRADES
Continental Elite members may request First Class seating at the airport on the day of departure. As with Economy Plus seating, the transaction must be performed by an airport agent, and cannot be handled through OLCI, kiosks, or United Reservations.
If a seat in the appropriate First Class seating class is not available at the time of request, the United agent will add the Continental Elite member to the upgrade standby list, which will be cleared by elite status using the previously mentioned combined status hierarchy applicable to United flights.
The upgrade benefit applies only to United and United Express flights within North America, and excludes p.s. flights.
NOTE
Since these benefits are day-of-departure only, CO Elites who purchase Economy Plus or First Class upgrades in advance of the day of departure will not be entitled to any refunds.
If an agent is unaware of the policy, politely ask the agent to check with a supervisor or with the Support Desk, who can walk him/her through the necessary steps needed to complete the transaction.