VA and ANZ systems lack of connectivity

[VA777]

Decided for the first time to book an international flight on VA directly rather than through my Travel Agent.

Flying over on VA and returning in an NZ code share.

Knew I would need to contact NZ re seat allocation and special meal.

VA Call centre happily provided the NZ PNR.

Called NZ and told to do seat allocation on line (J class btw) suggests that since I needed to call re special meals they could do it.

Whilst waiting whilst they checked to see if they were allowed to tried online and it wouldn't let me.

They came back and said they could but then when they tried they could neither allocate a J seat nor add a special meal request. Asked that I call back closer to departure.

I expected connection issues on the VA system but was very surprised at ANZ not being able to do these standard functions in their own system.

 

[cavemanzk]

Is this for AKL-SYD? they are doing an lot of 789 swaps at the moment, and we they do this the seat maps get locked while they are reseating everyone that has already selected.

 

[VA777]

Thanks that is my fear. When I booked it was 787-9 that it might be downgraded to 767

 

[cavemanzk]

Thanks that is my fear. When I booked it was 787-9 that it might be downgraded to 767

What's your flight number? NZ103/104, which are typical the 789 flights are usually 772/77W services when they aren't an 789

 

[VA777]

Flight number is NZ105

 

[VA777]

Bugger - the flight has been downgraded to a 767 - oh well - at least it will still get me home - was looking forward to my first 787 flight. I can now retrieve the booking, but still can't select a seat online - back to the call centre soon

 

[cavemanzk]

Bugger - the flight has been downgraded to a 767 - oh well - at least it will still get me home - was looking forward to my first 787 flight. I can now retrieve the booking, but still can't select a seat online - back to the call centre soon

It takes 3-5 takes after an aircraft change for the seat maps to become unlocked, and the call centre is also locked out.

 

[VA777]

It takes 3-5 takes after an aircraft change for the seat maps to become unlocked, and the call centre is also locked out.

Thanks cavemanzk I will leave it until mid week before I try again.