Can't select seats online despite status

[Keith009]

I've booked a few QF domestic flights, with the other half in the same booking record. I have SG status whilst he's an NB. But I can't pre-allocate any seating at any point, merely a generic seating request (aisle/window etc). I'd put this down to the fact that one of us has zero status, but a few AFFers have advised that this is not the case.

So, what am I doing wrong? Am I meant to be at least WP to select seats online for domestic flights - from memory I'm pretty sure any status would do?

 

[Commuter]

When I tried to select my seat online on domestic flights recently, it didn't work - it came back with an error every time. Maybe I was doing something wrong, but it definitely didn't work.

 

[yo yo ma]

So, what am I doing wrong? Am I meant to be at least WP to select seats online for domestic flights - from memory I'm pretty sure any status would do?

Currently, you can only select seat for international flights. You are not doing anything wrong.

Silver, Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyers are eligible to view and request available seats. Seats can be requested on Qantas International services only. For other carriers an aisle or window preference can be selected.

Answer

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[Keith009]

Wasn't this changed some time back? I remember reading about a new facility that allows domestic seat allocations for elite FFers. Or has that been rolled back?

 

[Joshua]

I think it was done for a week or two but not for a few months now. I can only pre-select seats from international flights (including domestic segments) but not domestic flights. I remember when they first turned it on, I was allocated 27B on a 738 and was :!:

I remember the call centre claiming they had turned it off because it didn't work.... which is accurate, so it may be the simple truth of it all.

 

[moa999]

Domestic Seat selection lasted about two days then went to aisle/window

As a predominate last minute booker (2-5 days out max) I much prefer it this way with seat allocation at T-24 and the ability to jump on then and select a good seat.

 

[Joshua]

Am I the only one that would agree it's a good thing? Not personally, but for Qantas. They're not a JQ or TT. It makes more sense for their business and its customers given they have a lot of status and business pax.

Otherwise it would be no status E/O sale tickets booked well in advance over higher profit fares and (presumably) loyal customers. Sure you can block some rows out, but some flights have large numbers of the above customers. I believe the fundamental idea of Altea is good. Probably/does annoy lots of infrequent flyers - but hey, at least it provides some real benefits to QFF. I think I jumped ~20+ rows forward on the average 738 DOM flight, just going to PS from NB.

 

[dede]

And I went to front row of Y when I hit WP (I'll make the most of it while it lasts!)

 

[Keith009]

Ahh, so that's it. At least the mystery is solved. Thanks for clearing all that up.

 

[Grooba]

Ahh I'm glad you asked the question QF009, I was abot to ask the same thing as I've been away from the board for a while. Have just been given a stack of PNR's and just tried to go online to select seats but they all bombed out.

Even some international bookings I can't select a seat...

 

[wandering_fred]

Even some international bookings I can't select a seat...

Check how many seats on your flights QF is willing to sell using your favorite web based tool. It may very well be to your great advantage that they are unwilling to assign you a seat......:mrgreen: At least until you check in.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[BlueAU]

As a QPPS, I was assigned 50K for a flight next week. I changed today via phone to Aisle seat, and was assigned 66G. I think the flight is full of WP and SG or something ... everytime my status drops, I seem to sit further and further,

 

[JohnK]

Domestic Seat selection lasted about two days then went to aisle/window

I am hoping, no praying, that this shamozzle is never resurrected in anyway shape or form....

As a predominate last minute booker (2-5 days out max) I much prefer it this way with seat allocation at T-24 and the ability to jump on then and select a good seat.

Totally agree. I have been able to get front row of economy using OLCI on ~95% flights....

 

[serfty]

...
Totally agree. I have been able to get front row of economy using OLCI on ~95% flights....

Was that before or after you had commuting with QF weekly for a year or more?

 

[Alanslegal]

Seems like a SG can't access the first two rows of the cabin, is this correct?

For a flight many many many months away I was pre-allocated row25 .... the map shows rows 23 & 24 unavailable. So I look upstairs, and the closest to the front is row 13 .. (of course the ideal exit rows upstairs is unavailable blocked for you lucky WPs)


Oh the +1 who is a NB can't even access any seating maps or have any choices except aisle/window

 

[serfty]

I believe there is graduated availability depending on status/fare etc. So "Front two rows" may be an indication of this. PS may see even less.

I presume you and the +1 are on separate PNR's. If so suggest you call Qantas and ask them to link your bookings and otherwise assist you in sorting it out.

 

[Joshua]

I have a international sector coming up, first time on QF since they introduced online pre-selection. First 2 rows are blocked for me but 5th-8th rows have the most allocation - suggesting a bunch of PS's filling up from there. Pretty empty really... dozen or so allocations a week or 2 out - I have a knack of choosing empty flights.

 

[JohnK]

Was that before or after you had commuting with QF weekly for a year or more?

In the early days as a Gold and Platinum I was pre-allocated in the first row on QF domestic and internationa most times.

Since Altea was introduced ~July 2008, same time I started commuting, I have been getting seats pre-allocated further back in the cabin. At least with OLCI I get a chance of moving to the first row of economy....

 

[BlueAU]

Have been told by staff that generally first row is blocked, but not for CL/WP/SG. It is for bassinets / disabled PAX ... as either cannot use exit rows.

Not sure how true this is, but may well be. And then they'll fill up with CL/WP/SG if they are vacant by check in closure.

 

[JohnK]

I think the staff do not always know what they are talking about. I have generally been able to get the first row in economy via OLCI at very close to T-24 hours most times.

It is only a small percentage of flights where it takes me a while to get the first row of economy or not at all....