Airline Seating

[MBELSANTI]

When UAL changed our flights, my son and I were no longer sitting together on the flight and the seating was closed. This was several months ago and I really don't want to sit away from my son. We both have window seats one behind the other. Should I pay the $80 to upgrade to the seats with more room or take my chance on someone switching with me?

 

[cluvsdisney]

I would probably pay the $80 after exhausting every avenue with UAL customer service. It's likely the other people in the row are travelling together and may not want to split up.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

Did you call and ask if they'd put you together? Often agents will be able to book things that you can't do yourself on-line.

I wouldn't count on someone being able to switch with you. When I travel with my wife and kids, we sit 2 by 2 and wouldn't be able to switch with you.

 

[DisneyWitch]

I would try talking to UAL again and see what they can do. It's kind of uncool to split up families, especially if it means a kid has to sit by themselves. You'd think they would want to help.

However, don't discount the kindness of strangers! You may get lucky when you get onto the plane. I know that my guy and I (we're a couple in our 40's with no kids) have switched seats several times in order for a family to sit together. It is often a win-win situation for us, because not only are we helping someone else out, but my man is surely happy to have a break from my yappy mouth for a few hours.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

How old is your son?

If he's a little kid then MAYBE you should pay.

If he's old enough to travel alone then... I wouldn't. One row isn't going to be the end of the world! Plus if you ask both the middle seats next to you to trade you have a decent chance one of them will JUMP to get out of a middle seat and into a window (trust me I would

I would also (A) keep checking the seat map for better options and (B) arrive at the airport early and be there when the gate agent opens up, to see if he/she can move you.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, it looks like your son got his Eagle Scout award...congrats to him, and you as well. That's a huge accomplishment!!! Having said that, I would assume that your ds is more than old enough to be seated alone. I know that it would be nicer to be seated together, but most people aren't going to give up seats so a teenager can be seated with a parent.
So, I would call UAL and see what they can do. If nothing, then get to the gate as early as you can and speak to the gate agent. Or, just pay the $80 and forget about it.

 

[Hannathy]

I wouldn't bother. You are right behind him and this way you both have a window! yah. This is how we sit all the time since everyone wants a window.

It really isn't worth the bother to try just to be next to each other rather than in front of him. You can still talk. I'd take the $80 and buy a better dinner or experience at Disney.

If he is an Eagle he has been by himself in tougher situations than an airplane!

I also bet he would kill you if he knew you were either trying to give away his window seat OR fretting over him sitting by himself! I know my son would.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Well, it looks like your son got his Eagle Scout award...congrats to him, and you as well. That's a huge accomplishment!!! Having said that, I would assume that your ds is more than old enough to be seated alone. I know that it would be nicer to be seated together, but most people aren't going to give up seats so a teenager can be seated with a parent.
So, I would call UAL and see what they can do. If nothing, then get to the gate as early as you can and speak to the gate agent. Or, just pay the $80 and forget about it.

Thank you, I am so proud of him!!!

I wouldn't bother. You are right behind him and this way you both have a window! yah. This is how we sit all the time since everyone wants a window.

It really isn't worth the bother to try just to be next to each other rather than in front of him. You can still talk. I'd take the $80 and buy a better dinner or experience at Disney.

If he is an Eagle he has been by himself in tougher situations than an airplane!

I also bet he would kill you if he knew you were either trying to give away his window seat OR fretting over him sitting by himself! I know my son would.

LOL you would think, but he actually likes sitting next to old Ma Actually I think it is more me that doesn't want to sit next to a stranger than him! I did once give away a first class seat to someone sitting next to my son in coach when we flew using husbands pass.

Thank you for all of the responses! Well when UAL made the plane change and I called, the CS guy told me the seating was closed at that time. I have been checking every week in the last 4 months. I was just going to call them again today to see if anything opened up and went to the website, pulled up my reservation, and lo and behold there were 2 seats in the front row just behind economy plus that were open together! I couldn't believe it! So hopefully it won't change between now and Tuesday!

 

[Hannathy]

Thank you, I am so proud of him!!!

LOL you would think, but he actually likes sitting next to old Ma Actually I think it is more me that doesn't want to sit next to a stranger than him! I did once give away a first class seat to someone sitting next to my son in coach when we flew using husbands pass.

Thank you for all of the responses! Well when UAL made the plane change and I called, the CS guy told me the seating was closed at that time. I have been checking every week in the last 4 months. I was just going to call them again today to see if anything opened up and went to the website, pulled up my reservation, and lo and behold there were 2 seats in the front row just behind economy plus that were open together! I couldn't believe it! So hopefully it won't change between now and Tuesday!

Glad you're happy! And he will be to. You have a good attitude about it and a willingness to work with people (giving up the first class, wow) and I think that has a lot to do with things working out.

Enjoy your trip and congratulations on being done with his Eagle, mine is getting close to being able to start his.

 

[MBELSANTI]

Glad you're happy! And he will be to. You have a good attitude about it and a willingness to work with people (giving up the first class, wow) and I think that has a lot to do with things working out.

Enjoy your trip and congratulations on being done with his Eagle, mine is getting close to being able to start his.

Good luck to your son on working towards his Eagle. It was a long road for DS and I as a divorced Mom treading through Mans territory in scouting

We have had a few glitches recently with the process that have exasperated me but we got through it. To us, it was never about something to add to his resume...scouting has always meant much more to us than that. Yes it is a great thing for the resume, but when you step back and look at the whole picture then you really see the meaning of it..if that makes sense!