Virgin Atlantic to charge £25 for a seat request from April

[Tinkerbell1989]

Is this just an opt in service? Ie, if i pay £50, i make a request; if not, ill get what im given?

X

 

[Laurafoster]

If we pay to select seats and we don't get those seats, will we get a refund?

I assume that it will be similar to BA where they can move you to similar seats. Eg. Instead of row 20 ABC they can move you to 22 ABC.

 

[flortlebap]

Is this just an opt in service? Ie, if i pay £50, i make a request; if not, ill get what im given?

X

Yes, exactly this. VA do guarantee that anyone under 12 will be seated with an adult, so it's not bad...

 

[flortlebap]

I assume that it will be similar to BA where they can move you to similar seats. Eg. Instead of row 20 ABC they can move you to 22 ABC.

This is something that bothers me about the "seat request" rather than "seat reservation" system. What is a similar seat is highly subjective - and people pick seats for different reasons, eg being near the back for quiet, near the front for a quick exit, near the water cooler, near the toilets etc - and the airline has no idea what your priorities are. So I would be pretty miffed to choose the "perfect" seats and pay £50 to then be shunted elsewhere and still have to pay for the privilege.

If you're paying, IMO, it should be a reservation and not a request system.

 

[Minniesgal]

Yes, exactly this. VA do guarantee that anyone under 12 will be seated with an adult, so it's not bad...

Except they don't always follow through on that promise

 

[Minniesgal]

Only up until the 1st June though, then seats will be available to be booked 336 days out. http://virginatlantic.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/86 So pretty much back to what it used to be but with an extra £50pp charge for a return flight.

I like that it is back to 336 days for booking seats

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

Okay so I'm flying out PE on 3rd October. From this I understand that I wont be charged to select my seats but when exactly can I book them ..... July 3rd which is 90 days out or 1st June ?????

 

[Minniesgal]

Okay so I'm flying out PE on 3rd October. From this I understand that I wont be charged to select my seats but when exactly can I book them ..... July 3rd which is 90 days out or 1st June ?????

You should be able to book them 335 days before

 

[flortlebap]

You should be able to book them 335 days before

That's what I thought too...

Am I just being thick, or should I be able to reserve seats for September? It's 268 days until we fly but there's no booking option - do I have to wait until
June?

I'm so over thinking this...

 

[Minniesgal]

That's what I thought too... Am I just being thick, or should I be able to reserve seats for September? It's 268 days until we fly but there's no booking option - do I have to wait until June? I'm so over thinking this...

I think you might have to wait for June but the wording isn't clear to me

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

That's what I thought too...

Am I just being thick, or should I be able to reserve seats for September? It's 268 days until we fly but there's no booking option - do I have to wait until
June?

I'm so over thinking this...

My thoughts exactly .... but when I go into the manage my booking it says there is no seat map available but I am less than 335 days

So having re-read the website I think the booking a year in advance i.e. from the time of booking the flight starts June 1st 2014

Just asked them on their facebook page so we'll see if they answer

 

[flortlebap]

My thoughts exactly .... but when I go into the manage my booking it says there is no seat map available but I am less than 335 days

So having re-read the website I think the booking a year in advance i.e. from the time of booking the flight starts June 1st 2014

Just asked them on their facebook page so we'll see if they answer

Thanks - let me know if you do get an answer! If not, I might give them a call tomorrow for clarification!

 

[mackay_j]

wow their are 15 of us - thats going to add £750 to our total - no way I will jusy have to take our chances. Feel sorry for the person who ends up next to my diabetic dd when I hand them her emergency injection kit

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

Just asked this question on Facebook.

"I am flying to Orlando August 2014.If i call to request seats(when they become available) and pay my £25 and for what ever reason i am moved from the seat I've paid £25 for do i get my money back?"


Hopefully that won't ever be necessary, but yes, I believe if we're unable to sit anyone in their seat of choice we'll offer a refund. More details on this will be available nearer the time. Greg

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

Thanks - let me know if you do get an answer! If not, I might give them a call tomorrow for clarification!

Reply I got on Facebook was that I will be able to book seats from June 1st

 

[flortlebap]

Reply I got on Facebook was that I will be able to book seats from June 1st

That's great, thank you!

 

[Samaya]

Received the following email from VA and a link with more info.

From 1 April 2014 we are changing the way our customers can choose their seats. As your flight departs between 30 January and 31 Mar 2014 you will be able to choose your seat free of charge online via manage your booking from 30 days before your departure date. Don''t worry if you have already selected a seat from the online seat map, you will not lose it.

If you would like to hear more about the new advance seating policy that comes into force, or you have other flights booked to depart after 1 April 2014 please visit our website at https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/manage-your-flights/seat-assignment.html

 

[queendisney]

the email I got from VA was the seats were pre-bookable FROM £25 per person each way. Also its only free in PE if you have booked the fully flexible ticket. Luckily there are only 2 of us and we always go out of season and the price is NORMALLY pretty good (wonder how much longer that will last).

 

[General Panic]

Hiho
Does anyone know if this new fee applies to new bookings made after the announcement and bookings made earlier will avoid the fee?

I feel a bit miffed as i worked the cost out quite tight between Virgin and my usual United route via Newark. United were a little more when i booked by around £10 each but i decided to give Virgin a try as it was a direct flight and i knew i could prebook seats 90 datys out.

Now , with a party of 3 who do not want to be split up i'm faced with either waiting till the very last minute and hope for 3 together or stump up £150 more to be sure of the seats on Virgin! , not a happy Virgin customer at the moment

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

Just to clarify,the old seat request was just that,a request, you always stood the chance of being moved etc .I'm afraid the new system means if your flying 2014 you will need to pay your £25 e/w fee .I would imagine a party of three would be easy to sit together especially if your on a 747 or your not really specific on where on the plane you sit. I would suggest you keep hold of your money and wait until check in opens 24 hours before .