Exit Row Seats in Economy

Hi everyone, can anyone clarify whether the emergency exit seats can be pre-purchased in advance, or can only be purchased on the day? I've heard conflicting reports about this.

I thought I read that exit seats are only assigned on check-in as you have to be fit and be able to open the doors in an emergency.
I am sure one of our experts will pop up very soon to tell us.

That's what I thought. I worked for VS several years ago, and that was the case then, but I've since come across posts that imply the exit seats can be pre-purchased.

How to book

You can buy your extra legroom or exit row seats when you check in at the airport. Or if you’ve booked directly with us, call us on 0844 209 7730*. It takes two full days to confirm your booking

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/th ... easer.html

They can definitely be purchased in advance over the phone.

Yes - the exit row seats can be booked in advance for a fee (price depends on where you are going to).

Once you've booked an exit row seat, you can't check in online, so I was told by the call centre, as they have to check at the airport that you fulfil all the requirements to sit in the exit row (if you don't, they will refund you the additional cost paid).

As usual VS over complicate it.

The table says Narita = £ 75

but the blurb underneath says

Exit row seats for Narita will be £55/$90 if you call the contact centre

then the 4th bullet underneath that

Exit row seats to Tokyo can only be booked through our contact center

Yes - the exit row seats can be booked in advance for a fee (price depends on where you are going to).

Once you've booked an exit row seat, you can't check in online, so I was told by the call centre, as they have to check at the airport that you fulfil all the requirements to sit in the exit row (if you don't, they will refund you the additional cost paid).

Thanks, I'll give them a ring tomorrow, hopefully they'll still have availability!!

As usual VS over complicate it.

The table says Narita = £ 75

but the blurb underneath says

Exit row seats for Narita will be £55/$90 if you call the contact centre

then the 4th bullet underneath that

Exit row seats to Tokyo can only be booked through our contact center

I'm going to LAX, hopefully it won't be as complicated as NRT!!

You can check in online if you have an exit row seat assigned -- in some
circumstances, at least.

Phoned VS today, they'd sold out on the outbound, but snagged one on the return, so I'm happy enough with that

Be advised though, these seats have less room, and are far less comfortable.

I travelled in these seats on a last minute flight to MCO and thankfully there were plenty free seats elsewhere so I moved.

The armrests are not moveable as thy house your tray table, also the TV screen is housed by your feet.

VA did however refund the fee upon my return.

Stick to extra legroom seats only, not exit row. That's my advise anyway

Be advised though, these seats have less room, and are far less comfortable.

I travelled in these seats on a last minute flight to MCO and thankfully there were plenty free seats elsewhere so I moved.

The armrests are not moveable as thy house your tray table, also the TV screen is housed by your feet.

VA did however refund the fee upon my return.

Stick to extra legroom seats only, not exit row. That's my advise anyway

Appreciate your advice, however I'm far more interested in being able to get up whenever I want (seatbelt signs off, of course), without disturbing anyone next to me. I'm not particularly bothered about seat width, particularly on a night flight.