How do you ask for an upgrade for flight seating?

[SandrA9810]

Last time I flew, I know that there was a list of names displayed for optional upgrading. I checked in very close to my flight time and it was fully booked.

But I'm flying again in a few days, and I have a feeling I'll be at the airport very early. Is there any charge to this?? Do you just ask when you're checking in??

I'm flying airtran and I'll be by myself. I'd rather be up front without being squished in. I've checked the seating assignment and many seats are still open. But I'm not about to pay 6$ for a pre assigned seat. I figure if I get there early enough I won't have a problem getting a window seat.

 

[crashbb]

You will need to pay for an upgrade (or use a credit) - unless you are very lucky, they aren't just going to upgrade because you asked.

The details are all on the Air Tran website:

http://www.airtran.com/business_class.aspx

 

[Traveliz]

Airtran gives you the option to upgrade for a fee 24 hours in advance - its anywhere from 49-99 depending on the length of the flight.

They do upgrade for free sometimes but generally its for frequent flyers (who usually do the upgrade thing anyway).

Liz

 

[SandrA9810]

ohh i thought it might've been a free thing at check in if any seats were available at first come first serve. I definatly ain't paying for it.

 

[Tina]

$6 for an assigned seat? I'd rather pay $6 to guarantee an aisle or window than sit in a middle seat near the stench of the bathroom for a long flight.

 

[winterman]

$6 for an assigned seat? I'd rather pay $6 to guarantee an aisle or window than sit in a middle seat near the stench of the bathroom for a long flight.

Ditto. I think $6 is a small price to pay.

 

[maxiesmom]

Have you checked the flight to see how many seats are left open? It may not matter if you get there early, if all the window seats have been paid for, you could get stuck with an aisle or middle seat. If a window seat is important to you, than pay the $6. That is a small enough ammount to be happy during a flight, and not miserable.

 

[islandmum]

ohh i thought it might've been a free thing at check in if any seats were available at first come first serve. I definatly ain't paying for it.

if they did that they'd have a flight load of people buying coach hoping for an upgrade and noone buying business.

Op-ups are generally only awarded to loyal frequent flyer card holders who spend enough money with that airline to get a few freebies if available.

They'd be nuts to be upgrading peole for free just coz theres space - and airlines arent nuts - just some of the passengers.

 

[SandrA9810]

I hate planes to begin with. Whether it's an isle seat or a window seat... I'd rather be sitting in the driver seat on the road.

I'm not the one paying for the flight, and I'm not about to waste 12$ for window seating. There's still lots of open seating on the site, mostly the back half. I check it every so often to make sure. I'll probably check it again before I head to the airport to get an idea of which seats I would like to sit in if they ask me if I have a preference.

I also have a wierd thing about being smushed in the crowd. I either like to be in the front or at the very end. So I can either walk in front of every one, or straggle behind so I don't have to part of the herd. So sitting in the back of the plane is fine by me.

Plus on my way back home, it's usually families visiting Disney... and I have lots to talk about that.

 

[fac]

I'll probably check it again before I head to the airport to get an idea of which seats I would like to sit in if they ask me if I have a preference.

You can do online check-in at the 24 hr window and reserve a seat.

 

[uva185]

This thread confuses me. Is the OP looking for a better seat assignment in coach or an upgrade to business class?

Changes to seat assignments should be able to be made at the airport for free provided you don't switch to a premium seat.

Upgrades to business class (if available) are available for about $50 one way to Orlando.

**Not sure this applies to the OP but sometimes it makes sense fiscally to upgrade if you are checking luggage. For instance on US Airways if seats are available you can upgrade to First Class for as little as $50 one way. If you do this at or before checkin that would entitle you to two free checked bags (which costs $50 anyways).

 

[islandmum]

This thread confuses me. Is the OP looking for a better seat assignment in coach or an upgrade to business class?

both - but for free.

 

[TheWog]

I also have a wierd thing about being smushed in the crowd. .

Have you flown Airtran before? I found their seats to be some of the smallest I have ever been in. The upgrade to business class on the way back for our flight was worth every penny we paid.

 

[Jestocost]

Have you flown Airtran before? I found their seats to be some of the smallest I have ever been in. The upgrade to business class on the way back for our flight was worth every penny we paid.

FWIW, actual seat size isn't the issue on AirTran flights. Their economy seats are at the high end of the width range at 18" (SWA's seats are only 17" wide for comparison purposes). Where AirTran really squeezes you is on leg room, since their "seat pitch" is at or below the low end of the range, which equates to anywhere from one to three inches less leg room than you would find on an SWA plane.

 

[TheWog]

FWIW, actual seat size isn't the issue on AirTran flights. Their economy seats are at the high end of the width range at 18" (SWA's seats are only 17" wide for comparison purposes). Where AirTran really squeezes you is on leg room, since their "seat pitch" is at or below the low end of the range, which equates to anywhere from one to three inches less leg room than you would find on an SWA plane.

Good point. I took the whole personal space volume and made it size, when yes the leg room was terrible. We were definitely very cramped. But with the upgrade it was so nice. Ample room, large size seats. FAs who made the people boarding get out of the way so she could bring us our drinks and snacks.

 

[SandrA9810]

So I got a window seat without even requesting it. I was only about 6 rows back, so it was very easy to get out. I hated the fact that every one is like in a funnel till you get to the parking lot. I know its because of security and all this other stuff.

Even at Disney, 90% of people take the wide labeled paths. For me, I take the short cuts, round abouts, and generally stay off the beaten path so I don't have people constantly stopping in front of me to look up in the air, then down at the map, and back in the air just to try to figure out where they are.

Well we'll find out in a few days if my luck is just as good getting back home.


I'd totally go for the 50$ upgrade if I had luggage... but I don't.

And thanks for your help everyone.

 

[tebookie]

If you upgrade to Business Class at the gate and you've already paid for your checked luggage, will they change the price accordingly?

 

[uva185]

If you upgrade to Business Class at the gate and you've already paid for your checked luggage, will they change the price accordingly?

I am not sure, you could try to ask for the refund and see what they say.