What's the deal with premium seats opening at T-48?

[johnnyfive]

I've tried a few dummy bookings with my Gold status and notice that most all premium seats open up at around T-48. I thought what a nice perk for Golds.

But then when I try a dummy booking on the 777 with no status I see that rows 20-22, and 27-30 are open at T-24. Interestingly enough rows 23-25 are blocked. Plug in my Gold status and rows 23-25 are available. Now trying this at T-48 with no status brings up rows 24-30 as being available. Plug in my Gold status and all rows from 21 onwards show up.

Is it all just a random free for all at T-48 or can someone explain what's going on here?

Cheers.

 

[JohnK]

Does web checkin open at T-48 hours same as domestic?

 

[johnnyfive]

Not available on international flights.

Web Check-in Limitations Information | Virgin Australia

 

[Bagpuss]

Airlines sell tickets based on the the number of seats on a plane (some overbook by 10%) and not everyone, especially via a Travel agent select a seat at the time of booking. (aka someone with no FF membership could sit in the front row of economy.)
You have to consider that if someone is on a international ticket, they can be checked through on an international plane or domestic plane prior to the "general public" (T-24/48) who have purchased tickets.

To get the seats available based on status, you need to select the seat when you book, if you have "advanced purchased".

There is possibly criteria, for example:

1 month prior: Platinum row 1 -3, Gold, 4 - 5, Silver 6 - 8, Red 8 - 15, No status 15 and beyond
1 week prior: Platinum row 1 - 3, Gold 3 - 5, Silver 5 - 8, Red 7 - 15, No status 14 and beyond
T-48: Platinum row 1 - 3, Gold 1 - 5, Silver, 3 - 8, Red 5 - 15, No status 7 and beyond
T-24: Open to all

You have to consider that on aircraft a few rows may have 1 - 2''s of extra leg space so they are initially allocated for higher FF teirs.

What you can always ensure if that the airline deems your "status" allows you to select seats they deem you are eligible at the time of seat selection.

Sorry a long winded post. But the initial allocations, make perfect sense to me why availability is that way.