VS200 tonight

Hi

For some reason I can't check in online to my flight to Hong Kong tonight (flying PE on miles). When I try to check in a message appears telling me I can't check in online and must do so at the airport. I have called VS who told me that there is a 'technical hitch' with my booking (?) but all should be fine at the airport. I have friends on the same flight who have been able to check in on line.

This flight is bound to be full and am concerned that I might have been 'bumped' off it. I am only in HK for 4 days so this is a concern ! Can someone please tell me I am worrying about nothing?!

Thanks

[Decker]

Dez

Whilst Coach and PE are maxed out UC is fairly wide open. So if you were Au then I'd be hoping for an upgrade. If not then expect some lucky PEs to be upped to free up a seat for you.

Also to make sure that you don't get bumped off is to check in early as you can. Fingers crossed for an op-up!

Have a good time,

Dominic

Cheers Decker. My concerns were that I might be downgraded to Y or bumped off the flight, but from what you say both of these shouldn't happen. As I bought the ticket with miles and a mere 'Red' then I don't see much chance of an upgrade, although of course I wouldn't say no!

Any idea why I can't check in online though?

[Decker]

Because until they op up some PEs all the PE seats are taken so there are none to check you in to.

Thanks

What I don't understand is that I have reserved a seat in PE next to a friend of mine (who has checked in), and did this last summer when I booked the flight, so why has VS now given this to someone else? Doesn't seem fair to me!

[Decker]

Good question - perhaps they hadn't preselected but they DID OLCI and took your seat. Seat preferences are exactly that - not reservations. If you and your colleague were on the same PNR then this would seem VERY strange but if you weren't perhaps they needed to allocate two family members and seats across the aisle were all that were available? Unfortunately I don't write this sort of algorithm tho' I can see it would be fun...

If Cabin Empty Then
Allow choice of any seat
else
If associated people on PNRs AND other seats left Then
Display other seats
else
If Associated people on PNRs and no other seats left then
If time to check in < 12 hours then
If associated PNRs not checked in then
Allow choice of their seats
end
End Else
Refer to desk
End
End Else
Refer to desk
End
End
End

Thanks - still don't see why they picked on me! Maybe becuase I bought the ticket with miles?

[Decker]

OK next algorithm - who to pick.... for me (as an Au so biased )

First move Red Miles (lowest in pecking order and no loyalty yet proven as red requires no qualification and miles might be from CC spend)
Then move Ks
Then move Silver Ks
Then move Ss
The move Silver Ss
Then move Gold Ks or Ss
Then move Ws
Then move Silver Ws
Then move Gold Ws

Of course they might ignore status and amount paid completely and just say "who seems to be flying on their own?"

Sounds like a case for some AI rather than simple sequential logic..... whatever. upgrade me and the mrs on our next flight, despite my status mostly coming from SQ flights.

[Scrooge]

It may be worth having a quiet word with the person sitting in the seat you wanted, if they are traveling alone then they may be willing to swap with you.

A silly situation all around I have to say, but the airline business is a silly business to begin with.

Good idea Scrooge, thanks

Just wondering - is there anyway I can find out how many seats are available in each class?

[Decker]

Yup indeedy - the ExpertFlyer website allows you to search on this sort of thing. You get some free searches with your site membership here. Just check the ExpertFlyer forum for your own discount code. Details are in the Clubhouse I think. When I last looked for you it was showing 0 seats anywhere other than in Upper where AT LEAST 7 seats were free - this is the max that ever shows.

J0 D0 Z0 W0 S0 K0 Y0 B0 L0 M0 Q0 X0 N0

Thanks, although this doesn't look very promising......

[Decker]

ouch you're right - that's changed since I last looked! I'm still sure you'll be fine. They may have pulled availability to ensure they can fit everyone in

I hope you're right !
thanks again for the help - am off soon to check in asap

[Decker]

See if you can keep us posted

I know Hong Knog is a popular route on any airline, but the next day or two will see busier flights due to the Hong Kong Sevens Rugby tournament. Any flight going out today or tomorrow / returning Sunday night / Monday is likely to have more than a few rugby followers on.

Just to let you know that i made it onto the flight in the end. It took me 50 mins to queue at the PE check in desk and then another 15 mins for them to sort out the 'technical issue' (?) with my ticket. Anyway, got to HK (and back) in the end and enjoyed the 7s.

[Decker]

hurrah! and welcome back!

cheers!