Appears Unable to Select Seats on SWA(AT) Flights

[keishashadow]

3/4 UPDATE: When I booked airfare via SWA site today I had credit to use sosplit the trip to two one-ways, both booked on AT flights. I received free luggage on both legs of trip, still not able to pre-select/pay for seats or do EBIC. I priced trip out both as RT and one-way, both versions indicated free luggage. This is a reverse from original policy (i was informed by SWA) that one leg of a RT had to be booked on a SWA flight.

I was thrilled to see AirTran flights listed on SWA's site today when i logged into to check the fares for previously booked flight.

NS flight got in early am and we wound up with a credit. Suprised to the option to book via reward points up and running too!

Problem according to SWA/AT reps i spoke to today, I am unable to either 'pay' to select seats on AT or early bird via SWA.

I was told:

*by SWA to check in 24 hours to flight to get a boarding number (AT said this wasn't correct procedure).

*AT said i'll find out our seats when we arrive at counter. Additionally, not permitted to use 4 AT credits to upgrade to business class at 24 mark either.

I'll call again next week during business hours and ask to speak to a supervisor who might be more in the loop. Who knows...maybe they'll fix this glitch...eventually.

however, here is information off my confirmation; which appears to confirm that there is no option to pre-select seats on flights operated by AT.


Your trip is on AirTran Airways. If you need to print a boarding pass or check a bag, please visit the AirTran ticket counter.

This itinerary is operated by both Southwest and AirTran.

What you need to know to travel:

• Don't forget to check in for your flight(s) 24 hours before your trip on southwest.com or your mobile device. This will secure your boarding position on the Southwest portion of your trip.
• Southwest Airlines does not have assigned seats, so you can choose your seat when you board the plane. You will be assigned a boarding position based on your checkin time. The earlier you check in, within 24 hours of your flight, the earlier you get to board.
• AirTran has assigned seating. You will be assigned a seat and will have the opportunity to change the seat once you arrive at the airport.
• If you are scheduled to change airlines when you change planes, don't worry - we'll transfer your bags for you.

Carry-on Items: 1 Bag + small personal item are free see full details. Checked Items: First and second bags are free, size and weight limits apply.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Change is coming......

The SW model will be the survivor.

 

[PrincesCJM]

Seats on Southwest flights are not assigned. They are on a first come, first serve basis. Meaning, the first people on the plane get their choice of seats. It "pays" to be an early boarder on Southwest flights. Do you have to pay for the early check in - well, that's a matter up for constant debate. If seating with your traveling companions is important, they you may want to consider paying for it.

 

[tjmw2727]

Seats on Southwest flights are not assigned. They are on a first come, first serve basis. Meaning, the first people on the plane get their choice of seats. It "pays" to be an early boarder on Southwest flights. Do you have to pay for the early check in - well, that's a matter up for constant debate. If seating with your traveling companions is important, they you may want to consider paying for it.

It appears the OP understands both the SWA and the AT model but can neither pay for "EBCI" via SWA or "select a seat for a fee" via AT. This leaves them at a disavantage as SWA passengers can select EBCI and AT passengers can select seats.

It will be interesting to see how the SWA / AT merging of flights and seating progresses until they opt for one or the other.

Good luck OP !

 

[keishashadow]

It appears the OP understands both the SWA and the AT model but can neither pay for "EBCI" via SWA or "select a seat for a fee" via AT. This leaves them at a disavantage as SWA passengers can select EBCI and AT passengers can select seats.

It will be interesting to see how the SWA / AT merging of flights and seating progresses until they opt for one or the other.

Good luck OP !

thanks! Hard to believe customers can't pay to obtain seats when booking via this method and that any airline would turn down the opportunity to earn extra fees unless they were unable to process it via computer system.

 

[gone2disney]

Wondering this as well-I just changed my Southwest flight that I paid for early check-in to an air tran flight. I save $140 even considering the extra $10/ticket I paid for the early check-in. I am a bit nervous though about being assigned a seat. I would like my kids sitting with me and not just where they have a seat here or there.

 

[iwannbindisnee]

I was thrilled to see AirTran flights listed on SWA's site today when i logged into to check the fares for previously booked flight.

NS flight got in early am and we wound up with a credit. Suprised to the option to book via reward points up and running too!

Problem according to SWA/AT reps i spoke to today, I am unable to either 'pay' to select seats on AT or early bird via SWA.

I was told:

*by SWA to check in 24 hours to flight to get a boarding number (AT said this wasn't correct procedure).

*AT said i'll find out our seats when we arrive at counter. Additionally, not permitted to use 4 AT credits to upgrade to business class at 24 mark either.

I'll call again next week during business hours and ask to speak to a supervisor who might be more in the loop. Who knows...maybe they'll fix this glitch...eventually.

however, here is information off my confirmation; which appears to confirm that there is no option to pre-select seats on flights operated by AT.


Your trip is on AirTran Airways. If you need to print a boarding pass or check a bag, please visit the AirTran ticket counter.

This itinerary is operated by both Southwest and AirTran.

What you need to know to travel:

• Don't forget to check in for your flight(s) 24 hours before your trip on southwest.com or your mobile device. This will secure your boarding position on the Southwest portion of your trip.
• Southwest Airlines does not have assigned seats, so you can choose your seat when you board the plane. You will be assigned a boarding position based on your checkin time. The earlier you check in, within 24 hours of your flight, the earlier you get to board.
• AirTran has assigned seating. You will be assigned a seat and will have the opportunity to change the seat once you arrive at the airport.
• If you are scheduled to change airlines when you change planes, don't worry - we'll transfer your bags for you.

Carry-on Items: 1 Bag + small personal item are free see full details. Checked Items: First and second bags are free, size and weight limits apply.

Keisha-were you able to talk to anyone that could explain the seating issue any better? I just booked for my parents & I just got them used to SWA EBCI & now I have to tell them an entirely new procudeure & I cannot tell them their seats... My dad MUST have aisle seats...He's 6'2" & I think AT seat have less space between rows than SWA does, so its even more important for this flight...Let us know if you found out how this will work... Debbie

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It's always a cluster when two airlines merge. Expected continued problems for quite a while.

 

[keishashadow]

Keisha-were you able to talk to anyone that could explain the seating issue any better? I just booked for my parents & I just got them used to SWA EBCI & now I have to tell them an entirely new procudeure & I cannot tell them their seats... My dad MUST have aisle seats...He's 6'2" & I think AT seat have less space between rows than SWA does, so its even more important for this flight...Let us know if you found out how this will work... Debbie

Based upon my follow up phone call this week, I believe they're using a magic 8 ball for their responses.

 

[dsneprincess]

Keisha-were you able to talk to anyone that could explain the seating issue any better? I just booked for my parents & I just got them used to SWA EBCI & now I have to tell them an entirely new procudeure & I cannot tell them their seats... My dad MUST have aisle seats...He's 6'2" & I think AT seat have less space between rows than SWA does, so its even more important for this flight...Let us know if you found out how this will work... Debbie

The AT plane we flew home from MCO last week was insanely tight seating. 3/2 configuration, believe they said Boeing 717. FA jumpseat sandwiched against back wall between 2 bathroom. Rows seemed very close, exit rows looked better.

 

[EPCOT is a verb]

I am interested in how Air Tran assigns the seats. We also booked through SW for an AT flight. We also had no choice to purchase EBCI or to purchase seat assignments. When and how do we find out what seats we have been assigned?

 

[jayhawk74]

When and how do we find out what seats we have been assigned?

The way it is set up now if you book on SWA your AirTran seats will be assigned at the gate and EBCI only applies to SWA flights.

 

[iwannbindisnee]

Based upon my follow up phone call this week, I believe they're using a magic 8 ball for their responses.

Thats what I was afraid of...I just re-booked them a flight later in the day that is NOT AT! (its 2000 more points for each of them but we all feel its worth it)Their flight home is going to be tougher.... Debbie

 

[Disneylvr]

I am going to be one that really misses AirTran once the complete changeover occurs. Both Airtran and SW have nonstop flights out of my airport and I like being able to choose preassigned seats.

 

[keishashadow]

insult to injury DH & I both received letter re our AT branded CCs thorugh Barlcays...

bright and shiney replacement Chase cards will be in force by April 29th.