Just checked in for my flight. Is this normal?

[ottawamom]

I just checked in for my flight to Orlando. There are 5 of us flying on the same itinerary. Yesterday when I checked availability there were only single seats available. The more legroom seats were all available but I didn't want to pay for those.

This morning when I checked in we were assigned seats in the "preferred legroom" section. Bonus! Is this normal. I'm concerned I clicked on something I shouldn't have and I will be dinged at the gate for the extra cost. Or did I just get really lucky. (in which case it's a good thing I have a lottery ticket for tonights draw)

 

[FigmentSpark]

Which airline? Air Canada asks you to pay for the seats when you book them, not at the gate.

 

[starvenger]

I think you got bumped to the premium economy gratis. If you've got small kids they do try to keep you together. If the only way to do this was via premium economy, then that's what they'll do.

(Contrary to popular belief, airlines don't just kick people off of planes. They sometimes try to help too)

 

[ottawamom]

My little boys are 21,23,25. I appreciate that they worked to keep the family together (we would have been fine if not). I was just surprised to get the extra legroom seats. These boys average out to 6'4" so the extra legroom will be enjoyed. Pixie dust already on our trip!

It was on Air Canada.

 

[mab2012]

I just checked in for my flight to Orlando. There are 5 of us flying on the same itinerary. Yesterday when I checked availability there were only single seats available. The more legroom seats were all available but I didn't want to pay for those.

This morning when I checked in we were assigned seats in the "preferred legroom" section. Bonus! Is this normal. I'm concerned I clicked on something I shouldn't have and I will be dinged at the gate for the extra cost. Or did I just get really lucky. (in which case it's a good thing I have a lottery ticket for tonights draw)

Sometimes it happens.

When we were flying back from Orlando this past March, I had myself and my kids booked in 11 D-F when I checked in at 24h, and my husband just behind in row 12. Didn't touch the seating map when I printed our boarding passes at the airport. Shortly before boarding, I looked at the boarding passes and my 9yo had been moved from 11F to 1F. I thought it must be a misprint or something, because I was 100% positive we were all in 11, but when I checked at the desk they said no, he is in fact in row 1 and the flight is full, so we can't change it. Which for most people wouldn't be a problem, since 1F is a much nicer seat, but it left us with only two seats together and my kids don't like sitting next to strangers, so it wasn't ideal. In the end we sorted it out on the plane. Our seat in row 11 had been given to an off-duty flight attendant; presumably they're not usually allowed to take plus seats, so instead we were "upgraded". Suffice it to say that she was quite happy to move up to 1F when we offered to switch back!

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

My little boys are 21,23,25. I appreciate that they worked to keep the family together (we would have been fine if not). I was just surprised to get the extra legroom seats. These boys average out to 6'4" so the extra legroom will be enjoyed. Pixie dust already on our trip!

It was on Air Canada.

Are their heights listed on the tickets? LOL Maybe they felt bad for them! *teeheehee*