How do I get exit/bulk head seats?

Hi,

We fly out at 1130am on Saturday morning from Heathrow to Miami.

Check in opens at 0830.

Does any one have a strategy for getting the exit seats? There are only 2 of us, both fit and healthy.

Failing that, how do I get myself upgraded??!!

Thanks.

[Decker]

Asking for exit seats frequently helps get them if if they are available. You might want to check out the seat maps so you know which ones to ask for. Being an elite member of FC will help even more with this.

For upgrades see http://www.v-flyer.com/upgrades.asp.

Decker,

Do you know if I would have to pay for the exit seats? I have seen in other places suggestions of £50.

[fozzyo]

Check-in early and ask for them then, I think they can only be allocated then as they have to see you ... would you be able to open the door in an emergency.

Not sure about paying for them.

Foz )

Early as in 0830 for an 1130 flight or early as in 0730 for an 1130 flight?

Thanks Foz.

[Decker]

Ermm was there something in this thread that needed more clarification? I'd just go prepared to pay if needs be.

See the section Q Can I select an exit row seat for the official "word".

We found the DIY online check in allowed us to change our seats to bulkhead seats, we got upgraded on the flight home (hurricane frances) so couln't check to see if it worked for the return flight.

[Bazz]

Hi a11p0rt, you don't say which class you are booked in?

If in coach, you will be asked to pay, £50 or $75 for exit seats. On the 744 for example, you pay extra for seats CD or HJ, the seats nearest the doors A and K are not charged for because of the restricted legroom due to the door bussel which houses the emergency slide.

In PE you don't have to pay extra for the exit seats.

In both cases it helps to get to the check-in early as these seats are popular and usually go quickly even when charged for.

[fozzyo]

From the VS Q&A

quote:We must be able to see a passengerÕs physical condition before assigning them an exit row seat.

From my experience you don't have to do 20 press-ups and run around the checkin desks.

Foz )

[Decker]

I have seen children and injured people moved as unable to lift the door out in an emergency.

Outbound flights from London subject to £50 fee, check in as usual and ask for an exit seat, they will give you a boarding pass and check your luggage. You will be asked to goto the ticket desk to have your boarding pass updated or changed to an exit seat at which point you will have to pay. 747 have three exit seats, the one closest to the door has a "bump" which is usually FREE, but only offered (usually) to couples. You will be able to buy the aisle seat though.

The new airbus has no bump on the seat closest to the door, and is ppossibly the best seat on the plane, much MUCH more room than PE have! Again there is a charge again of £50. On your return from US its a $75 fee, which works out at about £47 at the moment.

I always get the exit seat if not flying PE or UC, its well worth it! Don't be afraid to ask people to move away from the area if they feel the need to stand in front of you while they stretch and generally get on your nerves!

Enjoy! x

[fozzyo]

quote:I have seen children and injured people moved as unable to lift the door out in an emergency.

When we had the Exit seat in PE we were asked "are you fit and able". We both naturally answered yes. But where we fit and able enough? Should airlines actually ask more about your general fitness to get a better idea of whether in the event of an emergency you would be able to open the door. Clearly from Deckers experience the current standard procedure may not be appropriate.

Foz )

Having had the dubious pleasure of opening the overwing exit on a 737-300 recently (it's OK folks it was in BA's maintenance facility in Glasgow!!!) I can confirm that it's a fairly robust piece of aircraft that we're dealing with here. I doubt whether a petite person of the female (or male) variety would remove it with ease. I do think though that events accompanying the need to remove one for real would certainly bring assistance from other pax!

John

[Nottingham Nick]

That is a good point, I know on some of the US airlines - including America West - the cabin crew subject people in exit row seats to quite a grilling before take off. They make sure they know how to operate the doors, and are prepared to do so in the event of an emergency.

Without getting ageist about this, I doubt some of the more senior people I have seen sat in exit row seats on VS would be in much of a position to open the heavy doors.

Nick

If the load in Y is less than 75% the exit seats are free.

Paying £50 at check in will 'gurantee' you the seat.

You could wait until you get to the gate and if there not taken then you get them for free.

Lots of people to grab the seats at check in, the £50 charge does not seem to put people off.

We were clearly very lucky to get the option of the bulkhead seats through the DIY Check in. We have asked in the past with VS and got them however had only been asked to pay for bulkhead seats when flying with charters. We flew from Manchester would this be the reason we weren't charged?

[Nottingham Nick]

quote:Originally posted by Boyle73
We were clearly very lucky to get the option of the bulkhead seats through the DIY Check in. We have asked in the past with VS and got them however had only been asked to pay for bulkhead seats when flying with charters. We flew from Manchester would this be the reason we weren't charged?

AFAIK VS don't charge for bulk heads - only exit rows. They do try howver to reserve bulk heads for people flying with very small children.

Twice I have requested bulk head/extra leg room seats in EC. First time the check in crew advised it was too early (?) to allocate these, and when I get to the gate I could request one (needless to say, this did not work).

The second one, upon asking, I was upgraded to PE! As you can imagine, that was the more prefereable option!

quote:Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
AFAIK VS don't charge for bulk heads - only exit rows. They do try howver to reserve bulk heads for people flying with very small children.

Bulk head seats are also resevered for passengers with certain medical needs / disabilities.

Although these can be requested in advance, it's made clear that they cannot be guaranteed - but so far I have been fortunate enough to always have my request granted (I hope this doesn't tempt fate!)

jules.