Check in times to get Exit seats

[sam_b]

Hi,

Ready to leave in just over a week (woohoo!).
We have decided to try to get to the airport early to get exit seats. Virgin state that latest check in (Manchester) is at 07.30 and that the desks open at 06.30. Anyone got any idea what time we should aim for?

Also, on the return journey, Virgin tells me that the check-in desks don't open until 14.30, latest check-in 15.30. I am sure that some of you have reported checking in as early as 11.30 at Orlando and then heading back out to shops/parks. Has anyone done this for Manchester flights or is it only Gatwick check-in that is open at this time??


Many Thanks for any help,

 

[Janice]

Hi Sam - just giving this a ~~bump~~ to see if we can get any help for you

I have never travelled from Manchester so really have no idea. I know that when we've travelled with Virgin from Gatwick we have got to the check in desk as early as 6am for a 11 (ish) flight and have managed to get the Exit seats on a couple of occassions.

I would suggest getting to the airport as early as you can possibly bear - I know at Gatwick the Check in desks are usually manned about an hour before they officially open!

Lets hope someone will come along and give you some more useful info

 

[Penny12]

You know, I've no idea how they work this little policy. I'd always assumed that if you arrived real early to check-in, were lucky, and you were fit enough to work the door in an emergency, you could get the seats. However, when I checked in for my August trip, it was probably only 2 1/2 hours (so a good 4 hours after checkin had opened) before our take-off time, we got bulk-head seats without even asking.

 

[eyoreaud]

I didn't know you could ask for those seats, I'll have to try this next time,
What's the difference between bulk- head and exit seats?Or are they both the same? It would make such a difference not to have someone elses seat in my face all the way to Orlando(as has ALWAYS been my experience in the past) I always seem to get a right GIT in front of me

Luv Audrey,
xxxxxxxxxx

 

[Scottish-Helen]

Exit seats are the ones next to the emergency exit doors. Bulkhead seats have the toilets or a galley in front of them.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for getting them this weekend, I've been lucky enough to get them on several occassions and it makes such a difference.

 

[daywalker]

Went from Mancheser with Virgin in 1999. We got there at about 45 mins before checkin opened & we were not first in line! We did manage to get the exit row though. If you are there early you will get the exit row. They reserve the bulkhead seats for families that require the skycot usually. Obviously make sure you ask for it.
Back then we checked in for the return in downtown disney, obviously no longer an option. Just ask the reps what the check in arrangements are for the return, we got to check in really early in November 2001, obviously not long after sept 11.

 

[sam_b]

Thanks to all who replied.
I will let you know how I get on and if I find out any further info.
I think, like most things, I will just cross my fingers.
It would be nice if we get Exit seats and if we don't - well at least we're going to see the Big Rat!
Actually I'm hoping that the plane shouldn't be too busy - it is very close to the end of Virgin's direct Manchester flight season.

 

[Martin S]

The Virgin check in in Orlando opens very early although they dont advertise it (I do need to caveat this as this was about 4 ago). We checked in at about 10am for the late afternoon flight. It was great as we then spent the day luggage free at Downtown disney.

 

[IAN5150]

I know everybody wants the perfect holiday etc. But I think its really unethical to want exit or bulkhead seats when you havnt got small children or elderly or GENUINE disabled , I couldnt sit in the extra luxury while these people struggle elsewhere,

 

[Penny12]

Actually, elderley and disabled and flat out not ALLOWED to sit in exit seats due to the fact that should there be an emergency they may block the exits/not be able to open the exit doors and therefore endanger the whole plane. I'm not 100% certain, but I think the same applies to families to small children as well. That's why they are assigned on the day and can't be pre-booked so the Airline staff can see you and they determine whether you can sit there or not - regardless of you asking. As I say, we were offered the seats without asking.

Your ethical argument is misguided.

As for the extra luxury - yes there is more room in the exit seats (I meant I had exit seats in my earlier post, not bulkhead), however, I had the joy of sitting next to the door - it was impossible for Simon to sit there as the door pokes inward from the wall - for one leg I actually had less room than if I'd been in a regular seat. Secondly, the tables come up from under your seat...again, less room - it was the equivelent of having the table with the seat in front pushed right back. Thirdly - I was freezing the whole time - I found it much colder than usual due to the amount of exposed cabin wall...the seats make it almost compartmentalised and warmer- when the seats are gone for 3 rows.... If I could get aisle and middle seat, I'd probably do it again, but if it was window and middle, I think I'd actually pass. It wasn't as good as I thought it would be that's for sure.

 

[IAN5150]

So what your saying is The elderly and disabled have to be crushed in like sardines and in an emergency are last off! And sorry buy I have actually seen a Disabled lady sat in one(And smoking too in a non smoking section!) and have seen children in them too Have the rules changed?If these seats are as bad as you say they were this whole topic is about people getting to the airport 2 hours early to get them..Doesnt figure to me Im being misguided on ethics!!

 

[sam_b]

Hi Ian,

I can confirm absolutely that you have to be over 16 and physically fit in order to sit in an exit seat.
You do get extra room, usually, but you also have to accept the extra responsibility - that you must, in an emergency, be prepared to operate the door and help others off the plane.
That is why it would be dangererous to have elderly, young or disabled people seated there, and that is why they are only allocated at the airport.

I like exit seats because I can fidget and walk around without disturbing other people - especially on the night flight home. My next choice would be an aisle seat for the same reason.

As for bulk head seats (I actually don't like them) - I respect your opinion and your stance. For me, as long as having children is a choice and is NOT compulsory, having extra room to accomodate them should be a lottery, as it is for the rest of us.

The main point is, I express a preference only - if I get it, great, if not, never mind. I am prepared to get to the airport early to enhance my chances of getting a seat that I want, but this option is open to anyone.

Anyone who feels that the room/space is vital to them should pay for premium economy or first class.

Just my opinion, I hope that I haven't caused offence to anyone.

 

[floridalol]

Hi sam_b

I'm with you on this one. Surely small children should NOT have exit or bulkhead seats as they don't need the room anyway. I can accept that babies in skycots need bulkhead seats but who in their right mind would go to Orlando with babies anyway?

We always get to the airport early to get exit seats - if you are prepared to make the effort I don't see a problem in that.

 

[IAN5150]

No Sam B I wasnt getting at you I was just making a point however Florida lol was Definitly getting at me by addressing you but talking about my points,Really people with small children dont need more space-Rubbish and kids shouldnt get bulkhead seats and then goes on to say Anyone taking a baby is not in the right mind!!??WHY? It sounds like you dont have kids so why not make a rule up over 16s to go to WDW only!!Im not saying people with children should have rights,But in our society we all have a right to have children.

 

[IAN5150]

Hi Sam B I forgot to put it the last message but make sure you have a really good time and stay safe-IAN

 

[daywalker]

Good point about the window seat on the exit row, we learned that the first time & always go for mid & aisle now, usually we get all 3 seats doing this too. That was in the past we upgrade now

If you are in an exit row in an emergency, you are not expected to help others, you are expected to operate the door & get the hell off the plane as quickly as possible, if you are stood about trying to help people infront of the exit door, you will actually impede more people than you help. Hopefully non of us will ever be in this position.

 

[floridalol]

I was not getting at you Ian by posting a reply to sam_b, if you read my post again you will see that I was agreeing with him on his points. If I wanted to debate your points I would have done as I will now to your post about me.

Small children do not need more room than adults, their feet do not even touch the ground for instance. I would not take a baby to Florida for several reasons, they get distressed by air travel, the change of climate is not suitable for them (heat, humidity etc).
You presume I have no children, (I would never presume anything about a person I don't know), I have 3 children and although they are now all over 16 they have all been to Florida with us at some stage. The first time in 1987 the two eldest who were 12 and 14 came whilst the youngest who was 2 stayed with grandparents, even at that age it is too young to take and enjoy a Florida holiday. We first took the youngest at 6 which is probably a good age to start and enjoy everything. We all have the right to have children, we do not have the right to inflict them to the detriment of everyone else, I have never expected priviledges for my children to the expense of anyone else. As for your over 16 at WDW comment I can only say that sarcasm usually means the debate has already been lost.

 

[IAN5150]

I dont think so,Florida lol if you back and read my post I actually said "Im not saying people with children should have rights" and you replied" I have never expected priveledges for my children to the expense of anyone else" Which is basically the same,Are you telling me if any advantage was offered (Not expected!) to you when your children your smaller you wouldnt have took it, I can see your point about presuming about people I dont know but perhaps saying the thousands of people who take babies to Florida are not in the right mind!I never presume about anybody unless the facts stand out .
At the end of the day its 2 different situations your children have grown up mine havnt,But il repeat again I do NOT expect priveledges for them,But I noticed nothing was mentioned abour the disabled and elderly>I also notice nothings been said about The disabled lady I saw sat in a Exit seat.
I feel these board are good as long as you say what people want you to hear I made one point and in subsequent posts Ive been accused of- -
MISGUIDED
SARCASTIC
and indirectly NOT IN THE RIGHT MIND!!!

 

[Janice]

Okay gentleman - time out!

This is not the place for a heated debate of this nature - please take it to either the Debate Forum or Private Email.

Thank you.

 

[Eastender]

I love kids but I couldn't eat a whole one. They should be put in those doggy boxes and put in the hold with the cases.