Got separate seats on United Airlines

[GirlDreamer]

So I did the online check in for our flight tomorrow, and they gave me and my DBF separate seats for the 8 hour flight What are the chance for us to be able to be seated together? We don't sit very far appart, we both sit on the middle seat (out of 3) on opposite sites of the isle, and he's one row in front of me. Would the airline help us out, or would we have to rely on fellow passengers to be willing to swap with us?

 

[disneyholic family]

can you call the airline today?
i would try calling them today to see if there's anything they can do now..

and if not, then get to the airport REALLY early to see if maybe they can move you around then.

but try calling now if you can.

 

[chmurf]

There is very little they can do, as pre-assigned seats are not guaranteed until they are confirmed at check in (or not, in your case)

If you have checked in online and accepted the seat layout, basically your seat assignment is set in stone

you can still try to plea your case at the airport (or with an airline rep over the phone). Try it but be ready in case you get a big no-no.

If all else fails, you can appeal to the kindness of your fellow passengers.
Gently ask your neighbour if it will bother her/him to switch seats with your other half. If she/he is a solo traveler that may work out.
You can also ask the Flight Attendant to ask the passengers or find pax willing to switch with you (even with both of you) but bear in mind that FAs have no power whatsover to force a passenger the exchange seats (unless it's an emergency or safety issue)

 

[tupperware509]

if you are both physically able and speak English you would qualify for sitting in the emergency exit row, they are assigned at the airport so you could always ask for that option. kids cant sit in the rows so most families are not going to ask for them. either way have a great trip.

 

[Kath2003]

You can ask at various stages. Ask at checkin. You can also ask at the gate. We did this when we had two entirely random seats after the volcanic ask fiasco in 2010. We had two aisle seats half way across the plane from one another, so we asked if either of the middle seats next to us would rather switch. The gate attendant sorted it all (called them up, asked them whilst we sat elsewhere) and someone did want to switch so that was nice. But honestly, we would have sat on the wing by that point!!

At the end of the day, it's not too long a flight but I can see why you'd rather sit together.

 

[GirlDreamer]

Thanks everyone. We've tried to call and there was nothing they could do, so I guess we'll try and ask at every point we talk to someone who works there. And if not, we'll ask nicely if anyone would mind swapping seats. Just over 12 hours until the flight takes off anyway