$160 to unblock business class exit row seat

[dragonman]

Just requested an exit row seat on the upper deck (in business) be un-blocked for JFK-SYD. The qantas person on the phone told me this could be done for a $160 fee, which I declined. This is all new to me and I don't remember seeing it before. Is this new?

 

[straitman]

Just requested an exit row seat on the upper deck (in business) be un-blocked for JFK-SYD. The qantas person on the phone told me this could be done for a $160 fee, which I declined. This is all new to me and I don't remember seeing it before. Is this new?

Previously it was pay for economy exit rows but with no mention of Business. Maybe it has changed.

Found it and it only mentions economy as far as I can see.

Exit Row Seat Bookings.

 

[Mal]

I believe the agent is mistaken. Call again and find someone else

Exit Row Seat selection should only cost in Economy ($40/$80$160 / pax depending on length of International flight).

See Book - Manage Your Booking - Flight Booking - Exit Row Seat Bookings

 

[qf unfort]

I called the QF today and got them to unblock 16A on BKK-SYD in a couple of months. No problems/fees whatsoever. I agree with the other posts - looks like whoever the OP spoke to may have made a mistake.

 

[NM]

Just requested an exit row seat on the upper deck (in business) be un-blocked for JFK-SYD. The qantas person on the phone told me this could be done for a $160 fee, which I declined. This is all new to me and I don't remember seeing it before. Is this new?

What is your status with QFF? Generally its only Platinum FF members who can pre-allocate row 16 on 744 aircraft.

 

[qf unfort]

What is your status with QFF? Generally its only Platinum FF members who can pre-allocate row 16 on 744 aircraft.

Ah OK, was unaware it was just a Plat benefit. Woman on the phone never mentioned that, just stated it would be OK.

So does that then mean the exit rows are just another 'blocked' row that higher status passengers can get? Can't ever select the exit row online - presume for safety reasons, but i was never asked if i'm moblie etc on the phone...

 

[NM]

Ah OK, was unaware it was just a Plat benefit. Woman on the phone never mentioned that, just stated it would be OK.

So does that then mean the exit rows are just another 'blocked' row that higher status passengers can get? Can't ever select the exit row online - presume for safety reasons, but i was never asked if i'm moblie etc on the phone...

Qantas's system operates on the theory of virtual seats and each passenger has a customised set of seats available to them to select. The seats available to a passenger is based on a complex combination of FF status, fare type, current and anticipated loadings etc. So its not as simple as saying that exit rows are always blocked. As a non-QF OneWorld Emerald I have been automatically allocated exit row seats on international flights without asking or paying. And on other flights there are non-exit row seats that are blocked from my ability to select.

In most cases, a QF platinum FF member needs to call Qantas and request pre-allocation of row 16 on 744 if they wish to sit there. But it may be possible, especially close to departure date, that it may be available for on-line selection to Platinum and even to lower status members.