Are these seats bearable ?

[cryan]

Hi all, recently bought 2 sale priced return QF tickets to UK to travel 27/3/10. I have noted that QF has allocated seats 58 A and B on the 747400 and 50A and 50 B on the A380 - they are all exit row seats, and I am wondering if the 50 A is a big problem because of the slide protrusion.
The fares are not upgradeable due to the sale conditions. I was initially pleased to be allocated exit row seats, but I am starting to wonder if QF allocate crummy seats because the tickets were cheap? - Your thoughts would be appreciated thanks.

 

[serfty]

On the Qantas 388, 50A/B seats are bulkhead seats - they are not "exits".

Also the A and K seats in the row 66 exit seats are excellent.

Here's a seat map for the A380-800: http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/A380-14F72J32PY332Y.pdf

Now 58A is a terrible seat on the 744's - I would get out of there ASAP.

Here a seat map for the Kangaroo route 744 configuration: http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/744-14P52J32PY255Y.pdf

Have a look at these sites for more seating information:

www.seatguru.com

www.seatexpert.com

 

[cryan]

What would be my best option to get out of there ?

 

[serfty]

That depends ... how were you allocated them in the first place?

 

[file51]

I am curious at the allocation of 50A/B as these seats are never pre-allocated to anyone other than WP's if lucky (usually the first row for A/B seats on the A388 for allocation, self select or over the phone is row 51).

As I have been told several times by QF staff, Row 50 is usually blocked in case parents need to use a bassinet. Also, the seats are from what I have found in the past, 2-3cm narrower than the usual economy seat and the armrests are fixed. The legroom is great however.

Last month I was in 51A with 51B empty (blocked) and my partner in 51C, row 50 was empty so went and tried the window seat, and straight away got back up and went back to 51A. During the flight at least 3-4 other people thought they would take up row 50, several went back to there original seats once they realised they could not move the armrests, and others either could not get comfortable, or realised there were still entire rows up back to lie down in (flight was very lightly loaded with the 2nd and 3rd economy section lucky to have one pax per row section)

 

[cryan]

That depends ... how were you allocated them in the first place?

When I check my booking via my FF account ( I paid cash for tickets) I can see that I have been allocated seats. I booked on line and did not get any opportunity to request seats.

 

[serfty]

Was this though a TA* or direct with Qantas.

Other than that, do you guys have any Qantas Frequent Flyer Status? (PS,SG,WP,CL,QP*)

Finally, can you select seats on line at www.qantas.com.au/yourbooking ?

*http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...viations-and-explanations-5056.html#post69096

 

[cryan]

I booked my tix online myself with the qantas website - I paid cash - There was never an opportunity to select seats. When i go in to "manage my booking" - the seat requests are greyed out - We are QFF members bronze status. Not sure what to do now really. 58A sounds like it is a very uncomfortable seat - and guess what - we Have the same seat No's all the way Lon to Melb when we return. 58k and 58J on the opposite side of plane.

 

[serfty]

OK, you can try to look up seat maps on www.checkmytrip.com .

Once 'logged' into C/M/T look to the bottom of the "your flight selection" box for:

[+]view details click to see additional information including price, payment and flight special requests.

Click the "[+]view details" and the window will expand and you may see any seat pre-selection there. If you do see a seat number, click that/those and you may get a seat map.

Other than that, do you have a subscription it ExpertFlyer?

If not you can get a one Free week trial. Look up the seat maps for your flights (they may be available) and double check the configuration.

Once you have done that, check out what other more desirable seats may be free.

For you they'll show as

.

If you still can't get seat maps, perhaps post your flights here and someone may be able to look them up for you.

Then call Qantas on 131313 and tell them of your issue with these seats. It's best to do this during core business hours (10-12am, 2-4pm) as you tend to get the more experienced agents.

 

[cryan]

Thank you for all your help Serfty, your are spot on and I will follow up with Qantas. I do wonder if they have overbooked the flight knowing that they are introducing 2 X new A380's on the same route shortly