All booked...a few questions.

Hi there

Just booked my SF flight (PE) for Feb and wanted some advice on seats if possible (A340-600). Am I right in thinking that you can never select the front row (row 18) on the seatplan? If so, is there any way of securing those seats apart from getting there early and begging? I'm flying solo and would love to score a 'bulkhead'?

Also, I've filled out an online ESTA before that is still in date. Is there only one type of ESTA, as there's a CIBT link specifying 'US ESTA'?

Many thanks in advance

Yes there is only one type of ESTA and if yours is still valid you are good to go - i.e. within 2 years of the application and your passport number hasn't changed,

CIBT is a website that 'assists' people to apply for one and charges (in addition to the $14 US Government fee) for that 'service' so ignore it.

Thank you for replying, that had me a little confuzzled for a minute. My current visa is good until mid March luckily.

[mitchja]

You can only ask for row 18 at check-in, even then, it can still be just a request and you may have to wait until you reach the gate.

Okay thanks. Which other seats in PE would you recommend?

[Neil]

I would avoid row 19 as it only has one window that isn't that easy to see out of, all of the other PE seats have 2 windows, so I would probably go for row 20 H or K. I prefer the H/K side as there seems to be less foot traffic during boarding, although that could just be my imagination.

just to be pedantic and clarify one point - you dont have a visa. you have checked online that you are pre cleared to use the visa WAIVER programme.this does not guarantee that when you get to the POE a nice immigration officer will definitely allow you into the US. He/she has the power -if he deems your intent may be to breach the terms of the VWP- to send you straight back. but having said that it rarely happens -just dont arrive with 50 quid, a dozen copies of your CV and say 'i fancied finding a cash job and hanging around for 6 months'.

you MUST have a return ticket. you would only need a visa if you have a criminal record (including drink driving).and unless you answered yes to being a nazi or a terrorist on the form (of course you can come in Mr Bin laden !!) you should have no worries !!

Thanks, I realise it's a clearance form rather than a visa. I was coming straight form the CIBT site which refers to it as a 'travel visa'and just typed quickly.

I would avoid row 19 as it only has one window that isn't that easy to see out of, all of the other PE seats have 2 windows, so I would probably go for row 20 H or K. I prefer the H/K side as there seems to be less foot traffic during boarding, although that could just be my imagination.

Thanks Neil, appreciate your opinion.

I've lucked out and both seats you mentioned are booked so I've just selected from that side and I'll hope to bag a row 18 when I get there.

Booked seat 22K outward but will try for a row 18 upon arrival. Is this seat any good or too near the toilet? Got 20D on the return if I don't manage to change.

Can I bump this and get some opinions on my seat please? I've looked at the seat plan review link but would love to get some feedback here if possible.

[Neil]

Can I bump this and get some opinions on my seat please? I've looked at the seat plan review link but would love to get some feedback here if possible.

My parents flew back from MIA last year in 22H/K and they liked the seat, mainly because it had nobody behind and they didn't feel like they were troubling anybody by reclining. I asked about it being close to the toilet and they said it wasn't a problem for them.

Just to say also, bumping threads isn't regarding as particularly good netiquette, especially only after a couple of days. The main reason usually that a reply isn't given in the first place is because someone either doesn't know or hasn't had time yet to help.

Thanks,
Neil