ATA does it again

[delilah]

We are leaving on Saturday to go to WDW from Indianapolis. I made my plane reservations, and chose seats at the time I booked. I checked my reservation, and, ATA had changed our seats! We were probably one of the first to book our reservation--the plane was nearly empty when I did. Specifically, I wanted three seats together (ABC or DEF). Not picky about row or anything else. Just me in the window seat, son in the middle, and husband on the aisle. Now, they have me in the middle, husband in the window, and son by himself in another window seat, on the other side of the plane, about four rows ahead. I cannot tell you what a bad scene it would be to have me in the middle seat. I have to sit by the window, or I will have major claustrophobic panic attacks. The idea of my 6'1", over 200 lb husband in the middle is even more laughable. I hope the people 4 rows up enjoy our hyperactive 8 yo.

 

[tmt martins]

Did my SWA online book this very morning I'm # 's 1 2 &3 in the A line can't beat thatbut your right sometimes they get what they ask for and your right Even the best of kids on a flight will want to see where MOM & DAD are sitting.well good luck I leave for Ap in 4hrs.

 

[lawgs]

tmt

you may have 1 2 and 3 from checkin .....but that will not guarantee you are in that postion at the airport unless you get there early and line up

 

[tmt martins]

Yea but it does guarantee me top 44 + preboarders And in all my years and at least 5 trips per year That always got us together even if were last in the A line.

All I saying is at least with SWA you have a better chance of not getting splitup by the computer and most of the time you can get someone to switch a row or so to get a family together.Some airlines I've flown won't let you change seats reguardless.

 

[delilah]

I'm not so sure that SWA would be a good choice for us. We are not very pushy, first in line, get outta my way type of people. We like the idea that we have a reserved seat, and can behave in a courteous, dignified manner as we board the plane.

Last time we were split up, also with ATA, we asked the people around us if they would change places with us, and, one woman almost had a psychotic break. She wanted to sit next to her daughter who appeared to be about 16, no matter what. The people ahead of us became actually belligerent, yelling at the people across the aisle, and the flight attendant had to intervene. It was scary. I was already in my assigned seat with my son, and my husband still outside. He said that they had quit boarding the plane and security was called. I can't imagine it could be better if there were no assigned seats. I think one of us will sit in the one window seat with our son in the middle, and the other in the second window seat.

The @$$&^%$ at customer service I called to try to change the seats was nasty and unhelpful. He thought the SWA method was much better, and informed me that this was his last day at ATA. I say, good riddance. We will always drive to Florida before we will do the cattle-call method of boarding.