airplane seating ?

[maxiesmom]

My sis just managed to get on the same flight as me for our trip home from Disney. She was on a much earlier flight, but changed to my later one. Is there any hope for somehow getting seats together? I am solo, she is a family of 5. Do we ask at the check in counter? Or just throw ourselves on the mercy of our fellow passangers?

 

[wee-haggis]

My sis just managed to get on the same flight as me for our trip home from Disney. She was on a much earlier flight, but changed to my later one. Is there any hope for somehow getting seats together? I am solo, she is a family of 5. Do we ask at the check in counter? Or just throw ourselves on the mercy of our fellow passangers?

What Airline are you using ?

 

[maxiesmom]

Northwest.

 

[goofy4tink]

I guess it might depend on when you are flying. Is there any way to go in and check on what seats are available on the flight? Perhaps you could find a seat closer to them, if not with them.

 

[rgf207]

This depends on a few factors.

1. Are you in an Aisle Seat? If you are in a window or worse, a center seat, it will be very difficult to get someone to switch with you unless they are in a center seat. People do not give up Aisle seats. I would not

2. Is the flight full? If so, chances are slimmer that you may get a different seat

I would call NWA and see if they can assign you a seat closer or with your family now. The further out you are from your flight, the easier it is. Hope this helps

 

[maxiesmom]

Sis bought her tickets from Northwest's web site. It would not allow her to select seats. The last time that happened, she was bumped to first class.

I have an aisle seat, not too far back. I'm hoping this impoves the odds of someone wanting to swap with me.

The flight shows many preferred seats still available. Like exit rows, aisle seats, and the ones they charge you an extra $15 for.

 

[bavaria]

Sis bought her tickets from Northwest's web site. It would not allow her to select seats. The last time that happened, she was bumped to first class.

I have an aisle seat, not too far back. I'm hoping this impoves the odds of someone wanting to swap with me.

The flight shows many preferred seats still available. Like exit rows, aisle seats, and the ones they charge you an extra $15 for.

She was not able to select seats due to either fare category booked was too low/doesn't allow preselection; seats already assigned exceeded the maximum allowable ie after about 75% of seats are assigned no more are done; seat map was under airport control (usually 24 hours before flight)

I believe that NW implemented a program a few months ago that aisles are reserved for elite members only, or cost more, much like United's Economy+. Don't know if the NW program is still in effect.

The first class upgrade was most likely a fluke, unless she is an elite member. I know a lot of high mileage NW fliers and they are often denied upgrades due to the high volume of business travellers. It may have been that she was flying alone and the only way to reseat passengers was to move one person to first. Usually they prioritze based on status; if that person isn't in the gate area they move down the list. I can't tell you how many times United calls my name as I am in the restroom etc between connections and I miss an op up.

 

[Flyin2MCO]

As suggested, you may want to call NW and request help...Otherwise, your close-to-the-door aisle seat is gold...odds are someone will switch with you. Question now is regarding sis' party of five....will they be together or spread out...

 

[delilah]

We last flew NW in August. When I purchased our seats for the flight, I stated a preference for aisle seats, since we purchased more than 90 days in advance. Two of us got aisle seats, one of us got the center seat next to one of the others. We didn't have to pay extra, but, we are a member of their frequent flyer program, but don't have enough miles to be "elite".