Delta seating question

[Tinkim]

What does it mean when they say they will "assign" your seat at the gate? My friend is traveling in February with her two girls (6 & 7) and on the last leg of the four flight segments their mom was assigned a seat but the two girls the Delta agent said would be assigned at the gate. Should they keep checking on-line to see if a seat opens up and grab it? The agent said they would have a seat but I'm just wondering how assigning at the gate works? Thanks everyone.

 

[bicker]

That typically means that the flight has filled to the point where they're no longer providing seat assignments (except, perhaps, to full Y fare passengers). It doesn't mean that there will necessarily be a problem getting on that flight, but I typically take it as a hint to get to the airport very very early, so I don't have to worry as much about being bumped.

 

[Tinkim]

Thanks bicker. That is actually a connecting flight and there is a 1-1/2 hour layover in Atlanta so it sounds like they should proceed to the gate as soon as their other flight lands. Hope they don't get bumped because it is probably the last flight to NH for the day.

 

[bicker]

Well, actually then they're probably in better shape than that: They should be able to get seat assignments for their connecting leg when they check in for the first leg of the itinerary.

 

[maxiesmom]

And it could actually be a good thing. My sister's family had this the last time they flew, and they ended up bumped to first class.

 

[safetymom]

They should be ok because they will get the seat assignments when they check in for the first flight. I would still get there early for the first flight.

 

[beccasmom]

That happened to us once and the issue was that it was the beginning of the month and the aircraft was changed to another type. We ended up in the bulkhead seats, which was fine with us.

 

[ducklite]

They could also end up scattered through the plane. Make sure they are aware of this, and that the kids are prepared to sit alone and amuse themselves during the flight. At that age the FA's might ask people to move, but aren't going to force anyone or hold the plane until someone does.

Anne

 

[Tinkim]

They could also end up scattered through the plane. Make sure they are aware of this, and that the kids are prepared to sit alone and amuse themselves during the flight. At that age the FA's might ask people to move, but aren't going to force anyone or hold the plane until someone does.

Anne

Thanks everyone. I figured if they end up scattered throughout the plane there are six more people in my family going and we can give up our seats together so that mom can sit with the two DD's. It wouldn't be the first time my DH, myself, and my boys have been scattered about a plane. Despite what I thought people on SW did not offer to move to accomodate the kids.