Airtran seating.....

[dudspizza]

So, we currently have 3 rows of 3 reserved for our group of 9. That works out just fine, but we are considering moving 6 of us to the 2 seat side of the plane. So we would take A and C in 26, 27, and 28, with the other 3 in 27 DEF. This would work fine since all of the adults and the two boys could be on the 2 seat side while the 3 girls could sit together.

My question. If they switch our flight to a 3x3 seating plane, would we be stuck in A and C in those three rows with someone in between us? I am assuming so. In the past, the seat map to choose seats showed 3x3 even though it was a 2x3 plane (717) and they blocked out seat B. I assumed it was in case they switched to the 3x3 (737). I am trying to decide if I should just leave it alone and know we are guaranteed to sit together, but I really like the 2 seat side of the plane.....

Thoughts?

Duds

 

[kaytieeldr]

Few people like the middle seat; fewer still like it when they're between two people traveling together. If you find yourself in a 3x3 plane, it's entirely likely if there's someone in the middle seat, they'll be thrilled to change with one of you

 

[dudspizza]

Few people like the middle seat; fewer still like it when they're between two people traveling together. If you find yourself in a 3x3 plane, it's entirely likely if there's someone in the middle seat, they'll be thrilled to change with one of you

Oh, I know, but then we would have 3 rows of people sitting in middle and window. I think the safest thing to do is to keep the 3 rows of 3 and be happy we are together...

 

[Thumper4me]

I think I would keep things as they are. You are all together without having to jockey anyone around.

 

[prncess674]

Well if your plane is switched involuntarily to a 2x3 config plane you could be in a mess too, unless you are sure you are positioned on either plane on the 3 side.

 

[dudspizza]

Well if your plane is switched involuntarily to a 2x3 config plane you could be in a mess too, unless you are sure you are positioned on either plane on the 3 side.

I hear that..... all Airtran planes are 2 on the left and 3 on the right when facing forward.... we are currently on the right.

 

[prncess674]

If they switch our flight to a 3x3 seating plane, Duds

I hear that..... all Airtran planes are 2 on the left and 3 on the right when facing forward.... we are currently on the right.

Why are you worried then about AirTran changing to a plane that they do not currently have?

 

[dudspizza]

Why are you worried then about AirTran changing to a plane that they do not currently have?

Maybe I am not being clear. All of our flights are currently scheduled on 717's, which are 2x3 seating. Airtran also flys 737's which are 3x3. The flights recently changed and were switched from the 737 to the 717.

We currently have 3 rows of 3 reserved on the right side of the plane which has 3 seats on that side no matter if it is a 717 or 737.

We would like to move 6 people to the 2 seat side of the 717 taking up 3 rows and leave 3 people on the other side of the plane. Most like aisle or window, but the 3 are all girls who don't mind sitting together.

Instead of
XXX
XXX
XXX

We would sit
XX
XX XXX
XX


Again, we are currently on 717's, but Airtran has been known to change the aircraft on this route and could switch it to a 737. If that happens we would end up with 3 rows of people sitting window and aisle with someone in between us making it a mess.....
It would look like
X X
X X XXX
X X

Maybe I am asking how often they would change the equipment or maybe I am just thinking out loud about my Airtran seating possibilities.... but I am definitely not talking about a plane that Airtran doesn't have........

In the end, the smart thing to do is stop messing with the seats and leave them alone.

Have a wonderful day.

 

[prncess674]

In the end, the smart thing to do is stop messing with the seats and leave them alone.

sounds like you have answered your own question. It appears that sitting like ducks in a pack is more important than anything else. Keep your

00 XXX
00 XXX
00 XXX

seating, since it keeps your party together without interlopers. If you are worried about seating which could possibly end up with XXY and Y=stranger then just leave it as it is.
X = your party
Y = other passengers
0 = open seats

I have no problem with

YYY XXY
XXX XXY
YYY XXY

If you are willing to risk the possibility that you *may* be seated by a stranger if they switch a 2*3 to a 3*3 then your best bet is to stick to the 3 side. I never understand the freakishnish others have by the risk of having to sit by others such as those who freak out and run in circles when they find out German Biergarten in Epcot in communal seating. Calm down.

I am not sure why you believe the last quoted scenario = "a mess"
Personally I would risk the 2*3 seating in hopes that the plane is actually a 3*3 and that there is an open middle. If there is an open middle then you are left with:

X0X 000
X0X XXX
X0X 000

If you are dead set on ducks in a row seating then by all means cram into

00 XXX
00 XXX
00 XXX

or

000 XXX
000 XXX
000 XXX