V-Flyer

Hello! Just joined because I have a question about seating arrangements; sorry it’s a bit long-winded!

In April 2005 I booked four seats in coach for my family of four to travel (through VH; we are Frequent Virgins) on VS005/6 in April 2006. In May 2005 I used VS’s on-line seat reservations to make sure I had reserved specific seats because (from previous experience of legroom problems; my wife and I are 6’) we wanted to travel in a two plus two arrangement by the windows. In January 2006 I checked the seats and found VS had re-allocated us to the middle of the plane (row 37 on VS005/ row 36 on 006) in four abreast, separated by the aisle. When I questioned this I was given all sorts of reasons (change of plane, operational reasons, one of our reserved seats was a ‘held back until check-in). I was told to make sure we were there as soon as the check-in opened to try and get better seats but nobody could tell me which seats would be available. Or we could use OLCI and try again, but with no guarantees. At all times the flight has been shown as a 346. Although I see VS005 has been a 744 over the last two weeks.

I joined ExpertFlyer to see which seats may be ‘held back for check-in’. Whilst the VS website shows all seats booked, rows 31-34 and 43-53 are missing on the ExpertFlyer site.

Can anyone tell me: if we change from a 346 to 744 what happens to the seat bookings, why the rows are missing from ExpertFlyer, which seats would be bookable via OLCI, will OLCI reduce our ability to get better seats at check-in, which seats are held back until departure, should we just try turning up (with our two young children) and take our chances.

Thanks.

Welcome aboard, Rog. We're glad to have you with us.

You've posed quite a few questions here. First, as you probably have been told, seats are never "guaranteed". That said, a few more points: 1) the MIA route is served by several aircraft types; depending on which A/C is flying the seat map will change on Expert Flyer -- the A343, for example, has a different layout in Y versus the A346, and both fly the MIA route. Due to space limitations EF doesn't always show these differences. Looking on both Expedia and EF the schedule shows a 346 flying in April (though you didn't give us the exact dates of your flights).

Seats "held back for check-in" can include those generally reserved for pax with disabilities, small children, etc. This is a common practice on airlines. Your situation, however, is one where VS would likely want to help you if seats are available. If VH cannot reseat you now due to internal rules, try ringing customer relations. Have your reservation information handy when you call.

I trust you'll get this sorted out and have an enjoyable flight.

Regards,
Chuck-

Originally posted by Rog
Can anyone tell me: if we change from a 346 to 744 what happens to the seat bookings, why the rows are missing from ExpertFlyer, which seats would be bookable via OLCI, will OLCI reduce our ability to get better seats at check-in, which seats are held back until departure, should we just try turning up (with our two young children) and take our chances.

That's a lot of questions!!

None of which have a definate answer i'm afraid! If you can't change your seats when using OLCI, then try and get to the airport ASAP.

But like it's been mentioned, pre assigned seats AREN'T confirmed and VS will try to move you to the seats you want, but bear in mind MIA flights in the April half term will be full of families with young kids so they're going to try and have to keep everyone happy.

Rog,
I too booked a number of the 2 by 2 seats for a recent trip - on the way out I got 4 out of 7 and on the way back I got none - frankly the prebooking for econ seats seams to be a bit of a joke.

Many thanks for your replies. I did speak with customer relations (and with Virgin Holidays and Frequent Virgin Club) and it was they who gave me three different replies. Judging by the language I would guess the calls were being routed to Mombai! There are so many caveats and conditions regarding seat reservations it becomes meaningless. We are going at the very beginning of April so I'm hoping we'll miss the peak. We'll just have to turn up early.

^ Some schools have the first two weeks of April off - most flight to holiday destinations are getting packed!

Use OLCI!!!