Vueling XL Seat with extra seat ticketing

[Gold Member]

Flying BCN-PMI to check out the new Park Hyatt Mallorca. But upon inspection of my flight options it seems the only direct services are with LCCs! *sobs in foetal position* I've decided on Vueling as opposed to Air Europa.

We're gonna book the 'XL' seats (emergency exit row 14, seats A and C) for the leg room. But we also want to book the middle seat (B) to give ourselves the extra width. But when I try to book 2 pax in the XL seats with the 'extra seat' option checked for one of the passengers (which allows you to effectively have a Platinum shadow - the B seat in this case), it doesn't allow me to select the exit row using this option. I can only select normal seating outside the exit rows.

So my question to the community is about making the booking to accommodate a middle ('extra seat') in the XL/Emergency row. Am I able to book 2 pax and select 14A and 14C, and then make another booking in one of our names for 14B (starter fare or similar) to block it out. I assume this wouldn't pose any problems upon check in but does anyone have any first hand experience with Vueling and this type of scenario?

 

[kermatu]

I've successfully booked Vueling excellence fares which give you row 1 and an automatic empty seat in the middle - but not attempted further back.

Unfortunately I've needed to call them a couple of times from Australia due to flight changes or ticketing problems - been able to get through on the phone within 2 or 3 minutes each time and no trouble resolving issues. So I'd suggest making a call to get a clear answer -- unless of course someone else has direct expe4rience of your scenario.

 

[Gold Member]

I looked into their 'Excellence' seating. Aside from being up front, Row 1 seating is $430 Euros per seat! For a 50 min flight on a LCC!!! Its still a 3-3 config but with the middle seat blocked out and with more legroom. But by booking out Emergency row seats 14ABC it comes to $70 Euro per seat but with very similar leg room and comfort with no one next to you, albeit 14 rows further back.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Flying BCN-PMI to check out the new Park Hyatt Mallorca. But upon inspection of my flight options it seems the only direct services are with LCCs! *sobs in foetal position* I've decided on Vueling as opposed to Air Europa.

We're gonna book the 'XL' seats (emergency exit row 14, seats A and C) for the leg room. But we also want to book the middle seat (B) to give ourselves the extra width. But when I try to book 2 pax in the XL seats with the 'extra seat' option checked for one of the passengers (which allows you to effectively have a Platinum shadow - the B seat in this case), it doesn't allow me to select the exit row using this option. I can only select normal seating outside the exit rows.

So my question to the community is about making the booking to accommodate a middle ('extra seat') in the XL/Emergency row. Am I able to book 2 pax and select 14A and 14C, and then make another booking in one of our names for 14B (starter fare or similar) to block it out. I assume this wouldn't pose any problems upon check in but does anyone have any first hand experience with Vueling and this type of scenario?

The booking engine might be assuming you need the extra seat because you are a passenger of size... as the armrests don't raise, and because of exit row requirements, it probably blocks you from being able to select those. The call centre might be able to override that, dunno for certain. If you bought two seats for extra cabin baggage or a musical instrument, again exit rows are probably blocked.

If you attempt to book the extra seat in one of your names without specifically linking it as a 'extra seat', it could be cancelled by the airline at some stage before departure. Holding two seats on the same flight in the same name is generally not permitted except as arranged by the airline. If it survives the pre-flight sweep, it would be cancelled as soon as the flight closes - ie as a no show. If the flight is full you could find yourself with a passenger in that seat anyway.