dave.hunter wrote:BA are certainly no better. We flew to Orlando last year and reserved seats for our family of 4 months in advance. Went through check-in OK then just before boarding we were called to the desk and told that our seats had been re-allocated to somebody else (presumably a late standby) and that we were now split up all over the plane. My wife is a nervous flyer at the best of times so to be sat on her own was a nightmare. Complained fiercely to BA, in writing also, but they just gave a stock response that they have the right to change seating as and when they wish. Wonderful customer service, and the reason I will never fly BA again.
I am actually not a great fan of BA, only go with them if their fares are significantly lower than VS. However their 'stock' answer is perfectly correct but they worded a reply to you stating they can change a seat "when they wish" - really

Their policy states A paid seat request cannot be guaranteed, as it may need to be changed for operational, safety or security reasons, even after boarding the aircraft
I assume you paid the extra supplement for your 'reserved' seats or did you just have a 'requested' seat. Two totally different issues. On the BA website they say if they are unable to offer you a suitable alternative seat to the one you paid the supplement for, then you are eligible to apply for a refund. So you will get the money back, if you paid in advance to pre-assign your seats.
Best of luck with your complaint with BA.