plane nearly full, what happens if you DONT pre-book a seat?

got a quick trip back to UK coming up, in EC. (I know, I know...)
and looking at the seat chart offered, gives one single seat option in the entire plane - a middle seat near back row. something like 63F.

I didn't bother to book it. I mean, it cant get much worse, can it? or are they going to put me out on the wing!

so what will happen - is that 63F what I'll end up with at check in, or do new seats magically appear? not leaving out the golden fact that I am AU...

[Pete]

Only 60% are pre-allocated, so when it comes time for online check-in to open, get in there early and you'll see a whole lot of others open up - including some of the more 'prized' ones.

As an AU cardholder, traveling in Y, you should be able to blag the exit row seats without having to pay for them.

I've always been given them when I asked for them.

Mark

thanks - you mean blag them at physical check in, or before?

just wonder if its worth playing 'seat-roulette' like this!

[Neil]

thanks - you mean blag them at physical check in, or before?

just wonder if its worth playing 'seat-roulette' like this!

You can't be allocated an exit row seat until the airport.

If I were you, I would do OLCI at T-24, as like Pete has said, more seats should open up here. Then try for exit row seat at the airport knowing you have your seat chosen at OLCI as a back up.

Pete,

Is the 60% figure applicable across all cabins? I'm booked in UC and while have been able to book a nice seat (4k )going west, coming back I've only been able to book a seat that is in a busier area ... (of course last time from IAD we were given the chance to change the seats when we entered the Clubhouse.) So was just wondering if seats would free up...

[Neil]

Mandy, yes, the 60% rule is for all cabins, so more seats should open up at OLCI stage.

Neil

Narikin, I feel like I live in a different universe to most people who post here. I am an AU card holder but ONLY ever travel in the zoo - and I mean cheap! Company policy and personal wallet dictate this. My experience (for what it is worth) is that I always book any seat in advance even if it is horrible and then once OLCI opens I change the seat I have if there is anything better (I also use http://www.seatguru.com as well as the toolbox for seat reports)...even then at the airport there are some seats held in reserve (exit rows being typical) as they cannot be allocated on-line due to the "competent person" restrictions. So don't get down on seats yet and go straight for OLCI @ T24. Good luck and safe flight. y)

Thanks Neil.

yes thanks Neil,

I guess I was trying to work out what the point was of booking the worst (last) seat on the plane, when you are AU, and know you do not want to sit there. seems better to wait it out, and take your chance at the airport otherwise, or am I being foolish!

[Neil]

I wouldn't book that seat, it is almost certain you will get better. Plus if you leave that seat free, someone else might bag it, meaning you won't get it, so it could be win win for you.

the 60% has already been chosen.

So 24 hours before just go online and check in and pick a seat you prefer.

Then when you get to the airport you can ask to change to an exit seat or one of the new 34 inch extra legroom seats avaliable for just £30!

the 60% has already been chosen.

So 24 hours before just go online and check in and pick a seat you prefer.

Then when you get to the airport you can ask to change to an exit seat or one of the new 34 inch extra legroom seats avaliable for just £30!

I reckon Neil has the right answer, guess i modify my clumsy behaviour and follow his lead....

Then again....I just used OLCI and there were NO new seats :0 so I actually have the one I reserved weeks ago |:) and thank goodness I did, all the others are middle row seats, at least mine has a window.

In summary my revised opinion is as my first post - take the best of the lot available (no matter how bad) and hope that there are some new seats released that are better....fingers crossed.

of course being AU usually means you get priority if they are full and looking to push some folks up to PE or even UC, so a very full flight may not be all bad in this situation!

Narikin, I feel like I live in a different universe to most people who post here. I am an AU card holder but ONLY ever travel in the zoo - and I mean cheap! Company policy and personal wallet dictate this. My experience (for what it is worth) is that I always book any seat in advance even if it is horrible and then once OLCI opens I change the seat I have if there is anything better (I also use http://www.seatguru.com as well as the toolbox for seat reports)...even then at the airport there are some seats held in reserve (exit rows being typical) as they cannot be allocated on-line due to the "competent person" restrictions. So don't get down on seats yet and go straight for OLCI @ T24. Good luck and safe flight. y)

Saverton, your insight please. We will be doing BOS-LHR in July in economy for the first time. I have pre-booked 63H&K as I don't relish sitting in a 3 seater with a stranger beside me overnight - have you any better seat suggestions as the OH is already moaning about being 'up the back'!
Thanks

Starting with the blindingly obvious if you are travelling during the summer hols it could be very busy. Clearly he and she would like 2 seats together with HK and AC preferred. If you only have rows 63/64 available then I would take the 2 aisle seats and if someone else does book the seat in between they will almost definitely swop with you, the bonus could be that the seat remains free. That said the 60% rule will probably apply then as hopefully the ash cloud effect will have passed (better had or we are in trouble) so you will be able to rebook your seat to better ones using OLCI (but make sure you get on straight away at T24).

Still it is a great opportunity to meet someone new. Enjoy the flight

My tupenneth for what it is worth.

Thanks saverton, just checked and its 61H&K I have booked so a bit better. Checked out other options on seatguru etc. but this double still seems the best option to me.

That said the 60% rule will probably apply then as hopefully the ash cloud effect will have passed

The 60% limit on seat requests is NOTHING to do with the ash cloud aftermath and keeping seats free for stranded pax.

Is is standard operating practice that until OLCI that only 60% of seats are available to be requested.