Seat Selection

[LuisT]

Hi All,

Flying CBR-SYD-LAX (QF 149) on Sunday (and then back again a few weeks later, from NYC) and had a few questions about seat selection.

Currently I have been assigned 47C as my seat. Obvioulsy I'd like an exit row if possible, and had a couple of questions on how Qantas do seat assignments:

- Is it worth turning up a little early at the airport (I'm actually leaving from CBR so will be at the airport at 5.30 anyway) to get an exit row, or will they already be pre-allocated to QFF status members (I'm AA Plat)?

- Expert flyer shows quite a few empty seats on the plane. I assume that there are more people than that who have booked, but just haven't been assigned seats - is there any way to find out how many empty seats there will be (i.e. the chance of getting an empty next to me)

- There is currently a couple of seats in the 2x rows at the back (window seats). Are they any good ? Should I try and get one of them instead of my current seat?

- Any other tips or suggestions (I used to be *A so always flew UA/AC to North America)

Thanks!

LuisT

 

[serfty]

Qantas only permit their WP and CL members to put in requests for Exit Row seating; even that benefit is "unpublished".

As a oneworld Sapphire you should be able to call Qantas and look for a better seat - 27D, 31C & 33D are reasonable seat still available in the premium area.

However, there are 10 of these seats that are useful (avoid A and K seats as there's LESS legroom) so it never hurts to ask on check-in.

Expert Flyer shows that currently NONE of these 10 seats have been preallocated.

In (my) order of preference:

29C, 46C, 46H, 58C, 58H, 29B, 46B, 46J, 58B & 58J.

If you do get one, remember to bring a pair of white sports socks so that while you are sleeping, people milling around the open space in front of you (and they do) have a greater chance of seeing your feet in the dark before standing on them. :shock:

 

[LuisT]

Thanks Serfty,

So what is the Qantas policy wrt to oneworld status? When I called the person I spoke to said I couldn't have any of those seats. So, should I assume that as a OW Saphire I should be able to get access to anything that is showing as "blocked", except the exit row?

Also, I just had a look at expertflyer again, and it's showing 29-31D as being seats. I assume this isn't correct and these are stairs?

Thanks

LuisT

 

[serfty]

... So, should I assume that as a OW Saphire I should be able to get access to anything that is showing as "blocked", except the exit row?

Correct (also some bassinet positions). Make sure your AA status is reflected in Qantas's PNR for the booking.

... Also, I just had a look at expertflyer again, and it's showing 29-31D as being seats. I assume this isn't correct and these are stairs? ...

It's interesting; for the last year or two only one of those ghost seats has been showing.

It's actually the Flight Services Director's seat/mini-office.

 

[LuisT]

Make sure your AA status is reflected in Qantas's PNR for the booking.

So is there any way to do this, other than by calling Qantas (I booked through AA) ?

 

[serfty]

So is there any way to do this, other than by calling Qantas (I booked through AA) ?

Possibly ... do you have your Amadeus/Qantas booking reference.

If so, you could plug it into www.checkmytrip.com along with your surname.

When the page finishes loading, Look for the "Traveller Information" area towards the top and click on

"view traveller details[+]".

It should then show FF numbers and other info associated with the booking (but not your status).

Of course, if you don't have the Amadeus/Qantas booking reference, you may need to call Qantas in any case to get this.

 

[Elvin Yeo]

I always like to choose the seat at the front of the plane. It is easier to go to the loo and also easy to get off the plane.

 

[htchapman]

I actually rang QF last night to request seat change. SYD-LHR QF31 on Friday and checked now and have got 46C to LHR and 46H back to SYD. First time I've actually tried seat request prior to check in but they new WP status must help.

....Would be ever better if an op up comes up...

 

[LuisT]

Hmm... So i didn't get a chance to call Qantas yesterday, and was about to call them today, but thought I'd check the seating again first.

Now when I look at Expert Flyer, the seat map has changed with all of the blocked seats showing as booked, and it no longer shows the toilets/galley etc... and just shows blocked seats.

Is there something that I'm doing wrong?

 

[JohnK]

I actually rang QF last night to request seat change. SYD-LHR QF31 on Friday and checked now and have got 46C to LHR and 46H back to SYD. First time I've actually tried seat request prior to check in but they new WP status must help.

With a few QF Platinums on AFF now we must make sure that we don't get in each others way and book the same flights as there won't be that many exit rows to cater for all.

I called QF to request exit row aisle for 2 flights and the seat allocation came through in less than an hour. So although it is an unpublished benefit Qantas does look after Platinums and I will continue to use QF as long as these type of benefits remain in place.

 

[serfty]

Hmm... So i didn't get a chance to call Qantas yesterday, and was about to call them today, but thought I'd check the seating again first.

Now when I look at Expert Flyer, the seat map has changed with all of the blocked seats showing as booked, and it no longer shows the toilets/galley etc... and just shows blocked seats.

Is there something that I'm doing wrong?

No your are not doing anything wrong.

At some time within a week of the flight, QF seat maps often go into a 'hidden' mode where seat maps are fudged. So this is quite normal.

I suggest you call Qantas and ask anyway; you'll be 'flying a bit blind' however.

 

[htchapman]

With a few QF Platinums on AFF now we must make sure that we don't get in each others way and book the same flights as there won't be that many exit rows to cater for all.

I called QF to request exit row aisle for 2 flights and the seat allocation came through in less than an hour. So although it is an unpublished benefit Qantas does look after Platinums and I will continue to use QF as long as these type of benefits remain in place.

Sorry JohnK was someone else already trying to get exits on this flight or are you just making a general comment?

 

[JohnK]

Sorry JohnK was someone else already trying to get exits on this flight or are you just making a general comment?

Just a general comment and forgot to include the appropriate smilie.