Pre-Booking Seats

Hi All,

I am on a Florida based travel facebook group with around 30000 members and we constantly see people in a panic about not being able to sit together if they don't pay to pre book. I seem to remember that in the past only a certain percentage was allocated for pre booking, something like 60%. Is this still the same? I have mentioned this in the group but some say if that's the case how come when the seat allocation opens I can book anywhere in the cabin?

This is a real bone of contention for some people and I know that other airlines do it but it still instils fear in those with small children that if they don't pre-book they will/could be separated. Then comes the discussion from what age would small children be seated on their own? I know this scenario has always existed but it seems now that these families feel they are having to pay to stay together.

Any info is greatly received.

Steve

When the charges had their first promulgation Craig Kreeger said on the BBC that families would be sat together for free. At the time some on here doubted that and thought he had mis-spoke and / or didn't know his own policy

There are CAA guidelines (not laws) about children being sat near parents but remember that in airline terms an adult is from aged 12.

Also 'next too' can also mean being across an aisle or in the row in front or behind.

Neither the CAA or airlines want the same family to be spread across a cabin and adults separated from young children as it could cause issues in an emergency evacuation.

However families need to be reasonable and accept the limitations of aircraft seating layouts and that large family groups may have to be separated.

The fear of being split up is probably exactly why the airlines charges for it. Easy money.

The fear of being split up is probably exactly why the airlines charges for it. Easy money.

I must admit, when I've had to
travel in economy with my family then I have the view that the seat 'request' charge is money well spent for peace of mind

Why do they panic? The airlines will always ensure that a child sits with a responsible guardian. For large family groups, being able to all sit in one block of seats together is an unreasonable expectation when you have not reserved seats. And for a few hours it is surely no big deal and certainly no reason to panic?

COI: no children