Getting a good seat via request.

[BelziBhaal]

A little over a two weeks ago, I had surgery for testicular cancer. The surgery went well and the mass was removed, but I am going to be extremely tender for several months. Herein lies the problem.

I am travelling from BNE > DPS with DJ return in mid November and I must have a seat where I have plenty of leg room and where I can sit with my legs wide open, as not to "bump" myself by accident. I have discussed the situation with my Urologist and he suggested that I speak with the airline and request either 3 C/D or 13 C/D as he believes that these would be the only seats that I could comfortably sit in for a 6 hour flight.

Should I contact someone in the GCC at Virgin, or have my Urologist contact them on my behalf and hope to get a sympathetic staff member who can place some manifest notes in the hope that the airport staff will provide me with these seats, or am I in for an extremely painful and uncomfortable journey?

Also, is it worth asking for a Business Class upgrade at the AP? Is there a chance that I may get a similarly sympathetic staff member there that can help me out? I'm only a Red Velocity member with DJ, but Platinum and nearly Executive Platinum with American Airlines, of whom I don't believe DJ has a partnership with, so I am not sure what my chances are.

 

[mella2007]

Sorry about your recent illness and glad to hear you're on the mend.

I certainly wouldn't be flying at all (has the doc cleared you to fly?) unless it was really necessary.

You can contact Virgin and let them know of your medical condition, of which will be written on the manifest and you will need to have supporting documents. However in my previous experience with a client who had medical problems and had pre requested seating...they wouldn't let her purchase the exit row before or at the airport and she ended up in normal economy seating.

Your chance of an upgrade is next to zero, as often Virgin don't even upgrade Gold or Plats on a regular basis and leave seats empty. Virgin's alliance is with Delta, not AA...and even if you flew Delta metal you would have less chance of getting anything due to being only red.

Your best bet is to contact them with your medical requirements. They will make the decision whether your condition warrants in their terms (and those of others onboard the same plane) and where people should be placed.

 

[tuapekastar]

Glad to hear your op went well and good luck with your ongoing recovery. I think the advice already given is on the money, contact the airline and provide a letter from your doctor.

I'm thinking 13C/D are exit row? If so, your condition may well be the reason they will not seat you there. You need to satisfy them you can assist in an emergency. 3C/D would be ok candidates. Upgrade unlikely in my opinion but never hurts to ask I guess.

 

[Heleigh]

Glad to hear your on the mend.

I would pay for the upgrade and have no worries. If it's for work they should pay the difference but if holiday - as stated before you need written documentation from your Urologist, it may help.

 

[Gremlin]

Just to note that 3C/D have the fixed armrests as the tray tables are built into them. Not sure that they'd be candidates for sitting with you legs spread wide as a result. I'd be looking to pay for an upgrade to Business or reconsider your need to fly at that time.

Good luck with your recovery.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

can't you just buy the exit row in advance (rather than needing your doctor to get involved)? That saves any medical issues. Or have Virgin changed their policy now on exit rows?

 

[mannej]

can't you just buy the exit row in advance (rather than needing your doctor to get involved)? That saves any medical issues. Or have Virgin changed their policy now on exit rows?

Wouldn't there be the conditions that may well preclude the OP from sitting in the exit row.
I wouldn't lie about it as you will be removed from the exit seat if the crew deem you as not ideal for the exit seat.

I would suggest your only option as actually buying a business seat. That way you have the larger and wider seat locked in.

 

[mannej]

Further to my last post, I would suggest that the Exit Row is out of the question of the OP.
Add Extra Legroom | Virgin Australia

What is the Eligibility Criteria?
All Extra Legroom seats are sold subject to availability, eligibility criteria, conditions and safety requirements assessed on day of travel.
Please view all Extra Legroom requirements before making your purchase to ensure you are eligible as penalty fees may apply.
Extra Legroom Safety Requirements

To be seated in an Exit Row Extra Legroom seat, you must:

• Be 15 years or older
• Be physically able to reach, locate and operate the emergency exit window or door, and to quickly pass through the exit
• Be able to understand and acknowledge instructions given by our Cabin Crew in English about the tasks you will be expected to perform in an emergency evacuation and read the safety card provided by our Crew for that purpose
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A boarding pass for Extra Legroom seating will only be issued once our Ground Staff confirm that you meet the safety requirements described above.
These important safety requirement means that you will not be able to use Web, Kiosk or Mobile Check-in if you have purchased an Extra Legroom seat.

 

[NM]

If you must travel and you must have extra legroom, then you should pay for seating in row 1 or 2. That way you are assured of what you need. If unable or unwilling to pay for rows 1 or 2, then you need to ask yourself if the musts are really musts or are really desirables. Note that even if a letter from your doctor can convince the airline to pre-allocate you into row 3, there is no guarantee that the pre-allocation will stick through to check-in time. No pre-allocated seating is assured - just the class of travel (and even that can change occasionally).

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Wouldn't there be the conditions that may well preclude the OP from sitting in the exit row.
I wouldn't lie about it as you will be removed from the exit seat if the crew deem you as not ideal for the exit seat.

well unless the passenger was showing obvious discomfort - how would the crew or anyone else know? It's not something entirely obvious. If the procedure prevents you from opening an exit then you may wish to consider sitting elsewhere - but if you can still open it then I'd go ahead and book it and not say anything.

 

[kevrosmith]

Put in for a Status Match with VA. Seems they are still matching people.... a friend was matched from newly acquired QF SG this week. That will help chances of selecting Row 3 14 days out.

 

[ric_melb]

Whilst we all have reasons we wish to travel, and in this case the urologist may have given clearance for a 6 hours flight, it seems quite conditional.
Really it would seem best for this flight to be delayed.
Given seats 3C and 3D have fixed metallic plated armrests I do not think they will be suitable, particularly for spreading legs.
And given the relevance of the operation the OP should not be classified as suitable to sit in an exit row.
Disguising this factor in my opinion is in breach of Virgin's requirements.

 

[11sjw]

OP, good to hear you're on the mend. If you must travel when you say can you not just pony up the $$ for the required seat? It just read as though you thought you might be able to use your problem to scam something for nothing.

 

[AviatorPJ]

\hoping you are feeling better. i recently flew DJ from coughet to Perth in J - 6hrs 10 mins in 737-800. I found it uncomfortable, overnight without ant footrest in J - or in Y, for that matter. DJ operates 737-800s on the DPS routes, also. I understand about stretching your legs apart, but you will certainly need some lower limb elevation for comfort - and preferably, be able to change the position of the elevation. Personally, i would advise against any carrier without at minimum, a movable foot plate in yr seat, given yr post op. speedy recovery, PJ