seat selection opportunities

Hi,

My wife and I are off to Vegas in a few days (VS43/44) on a miles plus money fare. Have done this journey several times before and apart from one time in economy (just behind the downstairs PE seats), weve always managed to get upstairs in PE, which we really enjoy the wide aisle, the general feeling of space, the quiet etc.. For this trip were in PE again, but because we booked later than normal, there were no upstairs seats left to select for the outbound journey (we got them for the return). So Im wondering what opportunities exist for us to get seats upstairs?

I think its like this, in this order:

Continue checking up to 24 hours before departure for any cancellations that may result in seats becoming available.
At 24 hours before departure, do on-line check-in (because I can no longer manage my booking), and select any upstairs seats that have been made available
If nothing available at that time, get to the airport early (how early ?) and try to get the exit row seats upstairs (row 75?)
If still unable to get upstairs seating, see if we can do a one-way upgrade to Upper for points (20000 points each, one-way?). I believe youre not supposed to be able to do that on a MPM fare, but worth a try?

But would appreciate confirmation or correction if anyone knows better. Ive tried searching using multiple different search criteria, but have been unable to find what I was looking for.

Ive looked on Expert Flyer, and if Im interpreting the data correctly, theres currently 5 seats available across the K, S & W codes, with 11 across J, D, R & Z, which I guess are the codes for Upper?


Many Thanks

Ian

quote:Originally posted by Converse120
Ive looked on Expert Flyer, and if Im interpreting the data correctly, theres currently 5 seats available across the K, S & W codes, with 11 across J, D, R & Z, which I guess are the codes for Upper?


You're seat tactics sound right, as is your comment about MPM fares not being eligible for miles upgrades.

As to EF - I haven't looked but 11 sounds an odd number. The highest number in the J, D, R or Z list indicates the likely available seats in UC, not the total of J, D, R and Z when you look at EF. This may mean that there are fewer PE seats than you think too.

Thank you Slinky09, I think I am indeed interpreting the EF data wrongly then. I really should 'RTFM'. The actual figures from EF are: J4 D3 R3 Z1, and W3, S1, K1. So that would suggest 4 available in Upper and 3 in PE then ?

Cheers

Ian

[honey lamb]

Yes, Converse that is correct.

With regard to the availability of seats in the bubble, it is my understanding that VH has block-booked a section of the bubble (I think the front). You may find that once OLCI opens then unallocated seats there become available. pjh refers to it in this trip report

I'd still check regularly though

Yes check regularly then do OLCI at 24 hrs and pick the best seats that are available you can. Check the seat maps on here and http://www.seatguru.com etc to see what other people think of seats.

If you still want exit row seats then ask at check-in even though you have done OLCI.

You can always ask about upgrade at check-in but be prepared for a no

Converse,

I travelled this route recently and was in Exactly the same situation.

Anyhow, all was OK as at OLCI the 5 rows in the bubble immediately in front of the emergency exit were selectable. As I understand, only the back half of the bubble and downstairs PE are selectable before OLCI opens.

Thanks all for taking the time to reply - seems I'm doing everything I can to maximise chances of getting our favourite seats.