Delta "Family Seating"

[pacrosby]

Great post!!!!!I so hate the "Ha ha, you won't want to sit next to my crying/puking kid" comment. Grow up already! If you ask nicely, people may be willing to accomodate you. Plunk your kid down and start making comments about how bad a flyer they are, and you will most likely end up with your child being ignored.

I am sorry but.....

Each and every one of those comments came AFTER a host of posters insisted that they really couldn't care about anyone else's child and the kid (and parent) should just suck it up and deal with it (no, those weren't the exact words but it was surely message that was sent).

And where exactly are all these poster who 'expect' someone to move for them? I just read people saying that often there are some people who will.

And where are all these people who haven't been able to sit together because they were too irresponsible/cheap to make sure to book seats properly. I read about alot of people talking about airlines making last minute changes, miscommunication between Expedia and the airline etc.

And people complain about today's generation and their lack of educational preparedness? The reading comprehension problems that run rampant on these boardss is frightening.

 

[pacrosby]

Being on a family vacation doesn't mean I need to spend every waking second with my kids. And sitting on a plane with them doesn't mean we are interacting with each other, either. My kids are capable of entertaining themselves and they've known from a very young age how to behave on a plane. My son at 8 (only last year) would have been fine seated away from us. Then again, they know when we're on a plane NOT to bother me unless there is a very good reason. I pull out my kindle, ipod and blanket, and go into my zone.

Oh my, doesn't that say it all.

 

[GoHerd1028]

Oh my, doesn't that say it all.

I agree....

 

[crashbb]

I am sorry but.....

Each and every one of those comments came AFTER a host of posters insisted that they really couldn't care about anyone else's child and the kid (and parent) should just suck it up and deal with it (no, those weren't the exact words but it was surely message that was sent).

And where exactly are all these poster who 'expect' someone to move for them? I just read people saying that often there are some people who will.

And where are all these people who haven't been able to sit together because they were too irresponsible/cheap to make sure to book seats properly. I read about alot of people talking about airlines making last minute changes, miscommunication between Expedia and the airline etc.

And people complain about today's generation and their lack of educational preparedness? The reading comprehension problems that run rampant on these boardss is frightening.

When people (multiple) refer to those who don't move as "rude" and "jerks", then I don't think it is unreasonable to assume that they were expecting people to move for them.

 

[scrapquitler]

This doesn't make sense. The victims of a plane crash will be listed as being on the plane, regardless of what seat they are in. I don't think (assuming there are survivors) airlines simply look at "the passenger in seat 23A didn't survive, so that must be John Doe".

Exactly. The manifest is just a listing of the passengers (and crew members) confirmed to be on board the plane.

Lets remember that Southwest has a manifest, too. And they have absolutely no idea who is in which seat because they never assign them.

 

[crashbb]

The fact that they notified someone had died with out identifying the body is just silly. They don't go on seat assignments.

Our family moves around all the time as long as we are in the seats assigned to our group no one cares.

Denise in MI

Of course, there was an FA who told me that I couldn't change my seat since I would cause a weight imbalance. Fair enough if I were in a small plane, but we were on a 777 (about 350 seats) and I weighed maybe 120 pounds. If my changing seats could have caused the plane to crash, we were in a whole lot of trouble.

 

[lan3]

Its funny after being away from the boards for a year or so to come back and see this thread again. People are so worried about someone getting one up on them. Yes you are right..no one is entitled to have their seat assignments honored..nor are they entitled to have someone move so they can sit with their young child.

But we as a community should feel a slight obligation to help others if we are able just to make everyones life experience a little more pleasant. If someone is in distress and we are able to offer a something to help relieve that distress then isn't it just the "nice thing to do".

Just for the record, I would change my seat if it meant a scared child could sit with their mother..I also offer my seat on buses to just boarding mothers holding babies or elderly..or anyone that seems to be having more difficulty than I with the situation. It makes me feel nice. You should try it.

Can't we all just get along.

I'll probably log in in a year or so and have to post the same thing again.

Thank you! I move to let people sit near each other on public transportation all the time. I move so families, couples or even friends sit together on buses and trains. I would never sit near a child without offering their mother my seat on any sort of transportation. I believe in being kind and considerate of others. I think people would be much happier if they helped others.

 

[my2minnies]

I am sorry but.....

Each and every one of those comments came AFTER a host of posters insisted that they really couldn't care about anyone else's child and the kid (and parent) should just suck it up and deal with it (no, those weren't the exact words but it was surely message that was sent).

And where exactly are all these poster who 'expect' someone to move for them? I just read people saying that often there are some people who will.

And where are all these people who haven't been able to sit together because they were too irresponsible/cheap to make sure to book seats properly. I read about alot of people talking about airlines making last minute changes, miscommunication between Expedia and the airline etc.

And people complain about today's generation and their lack of educational preparedness? The reading comprehension problems that run rampant on these boardss is frightening.

I completely agree with you. There is not one person who was demanding that people move their seat for them. In all my travels I have NEVER seen anyone do this.

I find it so annoying that someone posts a potential problem or warning and people start berated her for using Expedia! Then they continue to criticize her because she wants to sit with her 8 year old.

What I find most shocking is that these same critical people admit to allowing their 8 year old to choose seats away from the family. That would not work in my house. I would not want the burden of care to possibly fall on a complete stranger.

 

[ccgirl]

I completely agree with you. There is not one person who was demanding that people move their seat for them. In all my travels I have NEVER seen anyone do this.

I find it so annoying that someone posts a potential problem or warning and people start berated her for using Expedia! Then they continue to criticize her because she wants to sit with her 8 year old.

What I find most shocking is that these same critical people admit to allowing their 8 year old to choose seats away from the family. That would not work in my house. I would not want the burden of care to possibly fall on a complete stranger.

Not sure if this post was directed at me but I was not berating her. I was simply posting a potential problem using Expedia, that they do not really assign the seats (as is indicated in the fine print - the chosen seats are not guaranteed to be assigned by the airline). What works in one house may not work in another. I would not judge anyone for that. There is no burden of care falling on a stranger when my 8 year old sits by herself because she can take care of herself. As a matter of fact, when she has sat next to a stranger (the 3 times she has) I received a compliment each and every time about what a considerate person she was and what a great flier she is. They said she was more considerate than the adults they sat next to.

 

[pacrosby]

When people (multiple) refer to those who don't move as "rude" and "jerks", then I don't think it is unreasonable to assume that they were expecting people to move for them.

I'm sorry but, I believe the saying is "you get what you sow"

I don't remember reading alot of "I might be willing to switch seats depending on where the other person is sitting" "I might be willing to switch seats for someone who asked me politely and seemed to recoginize that it might be an imposition on me" from 'those' people. It was always something more like "I'm not switching for you, too bad". "Next time do a better job of making sure you book your seats properly". And, "don't be ridiculous why should I move, there is no reason little Johnny can't deal and if he can't you obviously have done a poor job raising him".

I'm sorry but when you put forth an attitude like that, words like 'rude' and 'jerk' are an understatement.

 

[Aunt Bee]

If this thread has done anything it has shown that if the parents' first priority is sitting with their children, then it's best to deal directly with the airline and avoid the bargain ticket sites.

The original OP probably didn't realize this, but I bet she does now. Live and learn.....

 

[ABtwinmommy]

Why is it that when the airline reassigns seats splitting a child from parent its "too bad, so sad~ the airlines can change seats at their leisure;" But when it comes to changing a single passenger's seat asdignment to accomodate them its "Ohhh no, that is my seat and I shouldn't have to move for you or any child!" ?? That is extremely hypocritical. As so many people have stated, yes the airlines can change your seat as they please, and that includes changing your seat to have a child sit with their parent, as they see fit.

The OP's post was meant to be informative of Delta's family seating. Thank you OP. It is good to know. We are flying Delta for our upcoming trip. For the record, Yes I booked our flight early and was very careful to select seats where we (myself, DH, DD2, DS2) would all be in the same row and each child would be next to a parent. And yes, if something happens and our seats are moved between now and then, I do EXPECT the airline to rearrange things to have each of my children with a parent. Reversely, if I was travelling solo, I would EXPECT that a parent and child would get priority in seating over myself, meaning I would EXPECT to change seats for them if need be, even if it was not the most pleasant change for me. THAT is a part of travelling, and in my opinion a common courtesy to another human being, and a child at that. Of course I am not referring to people that paid a premuim for their seat; they would be out of the mix.

 

[crashbb]

I'm sorry but, I believe the saying is "you get what you sow"

I don't remember reading alot of "I might be willing to switch seats depending on where the other person is sitting" "I might be willing to switch seats for someone who asked me politely and seemed to recoginize that it might be an imposition on me" from 'those' people. It was always something more like "I'm not switching for you, too bad". "Next time do a better job of making sure you book your seats properly". And, "don't be ridiculous why should I move, there is no reason little Johnny can't deal and if he can't you obviously have done a poor job raising him".

I'm sorry but when you put forth an attitude like that, words like 'rude' and 'jerk' are an understatement.

It goes both ways. "You get what you sow" can be equally applied to those wanting other people to move.

This is NOT the first thread about this topic (and, sadly, won't be the last).

The funny thing is, I fly quite a bit and I've rarely seen things get this heated on an actual flight. Occasionally you get the parent who expects people to move - I've seen one or two plunk themselves/child into someone else's seat and tell the other person (i.e. the person who should be in that seat) that they need to move to whatever other seat. Occasionally you get the person who rudely refuses to move - I've seen one or two people refuse to move even if they were just changing seats across the aisle or snap the head of the parent who *dared* politely ask. For the most part however, parents have worked ahead of time to ensure that they had the seats they needed, asked nicely if they couldn't work something else ahead of time, and politely worked something out with other passengers.

Kind of like those threads about giving up your seat on the bus - much more vitriol here than on the actual buses (in my experience).

 

[pacrosby]

It goes both ways. "You get what you sow" can be equally applied to those wanting other people to move.

This is NOT the first thread about this topic (and, sadly, won't be the last).

The funny thing is, I fly quite a bit and I've rarely seen things get this heated on an actual flight. Occasionally you get the parent who expects people to move - I've seen one or two plunk themselves/child into someone else's seat and tell the other person (i.e. the person who should be in that seat) that they need to move to whatever other seat. Occasionally you get the person who rudely refuses to move - I've seen one or two people refuse to move even if they were just changing seats across the aisle or snap the head of the parent who *dared* politely ask. For the most part however, parents have worked ahead of time to ensure that they had the seats they needed, asked nicely if they couldn't work something else ahead of time, and politely worked something out with other passengers.

Kind of like those threads about giving up your seat on the bus - much more vitriol here than on the actual buses (in my experience).

I agree 100%. Alot of people just like the drama they create here on the DIS. I often wonder how many of the most difficult (we all know who they are) would put their money where their mouth is out in the real world. Very few I'm sure.

 

[DOREEN1779]

I flew Continental this last August with 3 children, 8,7, 3 and 2 adults. I booked through AMEX Travel to use points before they dissolved their relationship with Continental. They subcontract out EXPEDIA. So in reality, you are booking with Expedia. I was able to pick seating and once the e ticket was confirmed, I was able to look up my flight information on the continental website. I was very nervous and most have looked at those seats every two weeks for 6 months because I was told they could change even though the ages on the ID's are listed. My 7 year old is Autistic so I wanted him placed by the window, next to my husband in attempt to avoid any possible disruptions on his part.... side note.....he was great, no problems. When we got to the gate, I explained the issue b4 we boarded so we did not get switched around and are seats remained the same. However there were 2 families, also with special needs children who had seats all over the place, nobody sitting next to each other. We boarded with first class to get my DS situated but the crew were switching people all over the place and it was crazy. It took 30 minutes to get everone straight. After a two hour delay to board and another hour on the ground, I did not see one person refuse to move their seat when asked to and not one child under 10 not next to or in back of a parent. The crew went out of there way to thank each person that changed their seat. Personally, I would never feel comfortable letting any of my children sit next to a stranger unless I was on the other side

 

[sparklynails23]

Look at it the other way: Why should someone who has paid up to $20 per person for seats be expected to seperate from their family in order to accomodate another family? Not moving doesn't make anyone a jerk. What is jerky is to not pay for seats and then expect someone else to move to accomodate you. I know that is NOT what happened to the OP, but if you travel enough before long you end up asked to move. And it is frustrating.

When my husband flies "for work," he is not with his family. Other people are suggesting that frequent flyers would/should just ignore families who want to sit together. Why would someone do that for no reason? It is frustrating to be asked to move when you are already seated, but that's the airline's fault, not the fault of those kids who want to sit by their parents. Just move, and send an email. We're all in the same frustrating boat.

 

[Mama Who]

There is no burden of care falling on a stranger when my 8 year old sits by herself because she can take care of herself. As a matter of fact, when she has sat next to a stranger (the 3 times she has) I received a compliment each and every time about what a considerate person she was and what a great flier she is. They said she was more considerate than the adults they sat next to.

What? You mean an eight year old can be expected not to sob hysterically for the entire flight or babble rudely at someone who doesn't wish to make conversation?

That's crazy talk! Next thing you know they'll be out of the stroller and using the proper bathroom! I'm calling the child welfare people, lady!

 

[robinb]

Oh my, doesn't that say it all.

Yes, it says that she has loosened the apron strings on her 3rd grader.

 

[Ciciwoowoo]

Every time we fly with Delta, they seem to change airplanes and the seats we had chosen months ago are no longer available. I hate flying Delta but from DTW, it is usually the best price.

We have our seats all picked out for our flight at the end of October...6 of us, 3 and 3 across the aisle from one another... I would bet money that it doesn't actually end up happening...



So glad you were able to sit with your children, though!

 

[ccgirl]

When my husband flies "for work," he is not with his family. Other people are suggesting that frequent flyers would/should just ignore families who want to sit together. Why would someone do that for no reason? It is frustrating to be asked to move when you are already seated, but that's the airline's fault, not the fault of those kids who want to sit by their parents. Just move, and send an email. We're all in the same frustrating boat.

Not always. Sometimes, it is the fault of the mom that booked the flight any way even though there weren't seats available together because that is the time she wanted to travel. Is it always the case? No. I have just read way too many threads on here where it was. Do airlines make mistakes? Yes, in those cases I would expect they make good on that...such as double booking a particular seat. I have had that happen to me.

What? You mean an eight year old can be expected not to sob hysterically for the entire flight or babble rudely at someone who doesn't wish to make conversation?

That's crazy talk! Next thing you know they'll be out of the stroller and using the proper bathroom! I'm calling the child welfare people, lady!

Yup...I'll have to PM you my phone number so you can report me. As you suspected, she has been out of the stroller for 3 years and has also been using the "proper" bathroom for 3 years as well. Not only that, I allow her to ride her bike around the neighborhood by herself. Again, do I expect all 8 year olds to be independent enough to sit by themselves...no. But, please realize there are plenty of 8 year olds who are if you just let them.