Qantas refusing to let a WP select a seat...is that normal?

[Febs]

Hi all,

Just rang QF to pre-allocate an exit row on my upcoming SYD-LAX and LAX-SYD flights (in about 2 weeks), and was told that they can't do anything for me with regards to these flights, as all requests have to go through the TA who made the booking.

I've heard this before with regards to flight and date changes, but never seat requests?

FWIW, I travel internationally about 4-5 times per year, always booked by the same TA, and have never had a problem ringing QF directly to request a seat. Did I just score a grumpy QF staffer?

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Mal]

Ring back. Seat allocations should be available through Qantas regardless of TA, and I'm not aware of any changes to that. You might want to try on Tuesday where different staff will be on that aren't working over their long weekend.

I'm not even sure a TA can request an exit row seat (they can put an annotation in the booking, but not actually request it???)

 

[Febs]

Ring back.

Ha, tried that, got the same person the second time.

(I do plan to call back again tomorrow or on Tuesday, just thought I'd ask here so I don't look like a fool when I do. ) Thanks.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Mal]

Ha, tried that, got the same person the second time.

Doh! They may have even made an annotation on your booking if they remembered you

 

[Evan]

Ring back a different time of the day is the best bet to avoid the same person
E

 

[JohnK]

Just rang QF to pre-allocate an exit row on my upcoming SYD-LAX and LAX-SYD flights (in about 2 weeks), and was told that they can't do anything for me with regards to these flights, as all requests have to go through the TA who made the booking.

Definitely call back. I purchased a one-way BKK-HKG-BNE from Expedia in December and called Qantas to request exit row for QF98. No problem and a couple of hours later I had 45B pre-allocated.

 

[Febs]

Thanks guys. Rang back today and was able to request 79C on the way out (388) and good old 46C on the way back (744).

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[serfty]

normal?

Thanks guys. Rang back today and was able to request 79C on the way out (388) and good old 46C on the way back (744).

Cheers,
- Febs.

Patience is a virtue ...

BTW - 79C?

I would bail from that seat if I were you. I blundered through a curtain right into the occupant of that seat on the only 388 flight I have had.

I reckon 66A or 66K are better options.

See here for my FT post/analysis:

• FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Best Single Economy Seat on the A380?

 

[Febs]

Re: normal?

I reckon 66A or 66K are better options.

Done and done, thanks. I was a bit worried that 66A would be like 46A on the 744 - with a big exit door protruding into your foot space. 80A looks good but I wasn't sure where boarding/disembarkation is from...only the front, or is there a middle door? Don't want to be stuck on the plane forever when we land in LAX.

(I'll be trying for a points upgrade to J anyway, as soon as it's ticketed. I have a friend who works for QF who told me the exact availability and staff wanting to travel, so I'm hoping I'm in with a good shot ).

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Danger]

Can WP only request exit row seats or can they request any seat?

 

[Mal]

Can WP only request exit row seats or can they request any seat?

Any passenger seat on the plane - including *blocked off* seats. You can't request a seat that's already taken though!

Bassinetts will often be denied, as are crew rests, but most other seats are up for grabbing!

 

[serfty]

Nup, no cowlings in the way in row 66.

The 388 is rather large and the lower deck window seats have more space betwixt the shoulder and the wall than at the hip.

In any case here's some photos (click the thumbnails for large images) :


Seats 66A/B/C

66A

 

[meekokitty]

I apologize if this is a silly question but this thread has got me wondering.

Do you need to be of a certain membership status to request an exit row prior to check in?

My boyfriend is 6 foot 7 and we have made regular trips from Syd - LA for the past few years for college. He has called up in the past to request an exit row and has always been told that they can't reserve these seats in advance - only at check in.

This thread would suggest that these seats are allocated prior to check in all the time, but maybe with a certain level of QFF membership?

 

[serfty]

Yes, for international flights, WP and CL can make a request for a request to be submitted to 'seating'. I if the request is granted this should appear on http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/www.checkmytrip.com in a few business hours.

Note, not all agents are aware of this. That's why it's best to ask this of Qantas "premium".

 

[aus_flyer]

Any passenger seat on the plane

In the same cabin...