New June 25th Seating System Suspended

I don't mind what the rule around seat reservations is - I just want to know so I can 'save the date'!

Another VS IT failure - shouldn't be surprised really. Have they not learnt to fully test before they announce dates? All this will do is cause customers to call, adding to their already excessive hold times to ask the question. The website is supposed to help customers self-serve and drive down calls, not create more.

VS just need to accept that they aren't capable of setting up a chargable advanced seat assignment system - they can't even get their own website to work properly!

Apparently there will be more news later this year and until then everyone is at T-60

Apparently there will be more news later this year and until then everyone is at T-60

Like others on here, I shan't hold my breath! Virgin IT dept couldn't run a bath.

Yes. Although frankly the longer T-60 remains the better, as far as I'm concerned.

It's an interesting point. Either my flights are underwhelming in terms of seats booked, or most people who would reserve seats when booking more than 60 days out actually don't really care, lose interest or forget. At T-45 for my outbound there are only the same number of UC seats assigned as at close of T-60, and at T - 56 for the inbound only two more taken than at the close of T - 60.

Something is clearly seriously awry with VS' IT deployments.

They still have a website which is far and away behind its competitors, still isn't branded in the same manner throughout and has no really solid planned time for completion.

The seating issue is another major, embarrassing failure.

The CIO did an interview recently mentioning the issues they have with a myriad of legacy systems and apps, but it really sounds like they need to be doing a whole outsource or ground-up rebuild, and closely communicating with customers on time frames.

There's a couple,of,messages on the VS Facebook page from Howard confirming the 25th June has been put back, but no new date.

The 60 day status is still current

You have to laugh at them. Like putting lipstick on a pig ! Put back my a**e ! Abject failure by a bunch of incompetents.

But is it really the IT system which is the problem or is this simply VS postponing while doing a Fagin and "reviewing the situation" re the concept of charging?

And here is a very handy T-60 Date Calculator

http://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadd.html

And here is a very handy T-60 Date Calculator

http://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadd.html

Brilliant, thank you Silver Fox. Now can you go and sort out VS IT please?

I like a challenge I have to admit....but......no thanks

This is the response from Greg on the VS Facebook page to my question about the pre assigned seating.

" We've taken the decision to postpone the launch until a bit later in the year Kevin to make sure the process runs smoothly and we're taking more time to test the system and iron out any issues before you start using it. No revised date yet, but we'll have an update nearer the time. Until then seats will still be able to be requested 60 days before a flight. Greg "

I recommend that none of us holds our breath just in case !

I was just on live chat and the agent suggested that more information would be released tomorrow on the newsfeed. Indicated it was a delay due to the system not being ready yet.

Not sure if that information will be in addition to what has already been highlighted on here or not.

I don't need any more information to know that they are incompetent

Didn't they already have a system. Before they changed I had always been able to select my seat at the time of booking. I know BA charge non status holders but at least the system works

Did I see something mentioned about free exit seat selection for AUs? That would at least be a step in the right direction if they could get organised... My BA gold gets me the option of some pretty ok economy seats based on my ANU experience this easter.

Of course, like the rest of you, I'm not holding my breath...

With the current T-60 seat selection, are the seats released at midnight or later in the day?

0800.

0800.

Thanks, that's a civilised time!

Well, I have just logged on to my booking and can't see any mention anywhere of June 25th now.

I can only see yesterdays update about booking 60 days in advance but no more links available.

What the hell are Virgin doing??!!!

Just totally bizarre. Sadly too late for me, after only ever flying TATL using VS last week for the first time ever I booked with another carrier who offered free of charge seat selection as I didn't agree with the idea of paying £100 for our seats.

Seems had I picked VS instead I'd have had it free after all.

Perhaps a silly question, but can you request seats online for both the outbound and the return legs 60 days before the outbound flight or do does the lockout apply per leg (requiring you to set two 60-day reminders)?

No it's 60days prior to each leg of the journey

Just had a "online chat" and the 25th June isn't happening I'm afraid :

info: You are now connected with a Virgin Atlantic Chat Representative.
Please note that we cannot quote fares or make the booking for you.

Louise: Hi, you're chatting with Louise. How can I help you?
Louise: Hi Shaun!
Shaun: Hiya, I got flights booked departing in August and was told I could choose my extra leg room seats on 25th June but all mention of that has disappeared from the web site ? can you shed any light on the seat selection system
Louise: It is with regret that we’ve had to delay the date to pre-assign seats, we’re currently reviewing our planned launch date for the new seat selection process, so please keep an eye on the latest news section on our website. For now, you can still select your seat (except extra legroom and exit row seats) free of charge from 60 days before your flight via the ‘Manage your booking’ tab on the homepage. I apologise for any inconvenience this has caused, we are trying to make sure the new seat selection process runs as smoothly as possible.
Shaun: Oh dear, ok thx
Louise: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
Shaun: No that all Louise, have a good evening
Louise: Thank you
Louise: Thanks for chatting with me today. Virgin Atlantic really values your feedback about this chat. Please click the "End Chat" button at the top of this window and answer a few questions about your chat experience with us today. Enjoy the rest of your day