Lost assigned seats

[rgf207]

I have AAA but I would never trust them to handle my vacation. Your agent dropped the ball big time. I can't even tell you how many times my flight has changed and my seats have changed.

It is a very good thing that you have at least 1 adult with each child. That is probably as good as you will get.

It is very hard to get some people to switch seats especially if they are in an aisle or window seat and are switching with a center.

I fly a lot and have been asked to switch from aisle to center and
unfortunately I decline because I hate center and window seats.

You can ask when you check in but it is highly unlikely that you will all get seats together.

 

[time4Mickey]

Our last trip we booked flights on line with United. I watched freq to make sure that our seats didn't change. Two days prior to leaving they switched them. The flight was the original one we booked so not sure why this happened. I immediately called and talked to several people at United, all of which were not helpful and less than sympathetic about my situation. I was told that we needed to address it at the airport. We were flying with an 18month old, 3yr, and 4yr. We were all separated, not even close and no one was going to switch seats. I was so furious that the airline didn't think it was a problem that my 3 and 4yr old could sit by themselves next to strangers and not even within eyesight. This is just crazy why is it not a priority that families with children aren't placed together. So frustrating. Also why do they let you choose a seat if they don't plan on honoring it.
We would have chosen another airline.

 

[rgf207]

Our last trip we booked flights on line with United. I watched freq to make sure that our seats didn't change. Two days prior to leaving they switched them. The flight was the original one we booked so not sure why this happened. I immediately called and talked to several people at United, all of which were not helpful and less than sympathetic about my situation. I was told that we needed to address it at the airport. We were flying with an 18month old, 3yr, and 4yr. We were all separated, not even close and no one was going to switch seats. I was so furious that the airline didn't think it was a problem that my 3 and 4yr old could sit by themselves next to strangers and not even within eyesight. This is just crazy why is it not a priority that families with children aren't placed together. So frustrating. Also why do they let you choose a seat if they don't plan on honoring it.
We would have chosen another airline.

I understand your frustration but seats are the airlines last priority. The only seats they try to accomodate are the ones of their highest frequent flyers. When you book your flight you are paying for a seat on the plane, not necessarily a seat together. The only thing you can hope for is that someone would switch because they cannot force someone to move and most people with aisle or window seats won't switch.

 

[wdwgypsy]

Please don't. Please don't 'embellish' just to get your way - in this case, all your seats together.

I didn't, and can see the misunderstanding. I should have just said state the facts of your predicament.

 

[time4Mickey]

Customer service should be a priority of the airline. What 3 or 4yr old would be capable of taking care of themselves on a long flight? Who is going to take them to the bathroom etc. What if they were scared. I would never leave my children with a stranger anywhere else why would the airlines think that I would on a plane. They can not guarantee the safety of my children. Besides if my child could not see me they may not think I am even there.

 

[bavaria]

Customer service should be a priority of the airline. What 3 or 4yr old would be capable of taking care of themselves on a long flight? Who is going to take them to the bathroom etc. What if they were scared. I would never leave my children with a stranger anywhere else why would the airlines think that I would on a plane. They can not guarantee the safety of my children. Besides if my child could not see me they may not think I am even there.

NO airline guarantees seat assignments. If you are so concerned about this remote possibility, then may I suggest that you drive, or fly SW.

 

[rgf207]

Customer service should be a priority of the airline. What 3 or 4yr old would be capable of taking care of themselves on a long flight? Who is going to take them to the bathroom etc. What if they were scared. I would never leave my children with a stranger anywhere else why would the airlines think that I would on a plane. They can not guarantee the safety of my children. Besides if my child could not see me they may not think I am even there.

The airline industry is way different than any other industry IMHO. Airlines are losing money and going bankrupt left and right and, frankly, staying afloat and out of the red is their number 1 priority. Customer service dropped to a distant second or even third years ago. Probably right after the 9/11 attacks.

Passengers buy tickets from point A to B. They airline agrees to accept money for that and they agree to get you from A to B in resonable time. No airline has every guaranteed a seat assignment let alone one where the whole family is together. This is one of the biggest misconceptions that I see here on the DIS. People don't understand that they seat they pick may not be the one they sit in. They think that they are paying for that seat when in fact they are paying for a seat. I understand your concern but the airline most likely will not budge. They have already assigned the seats and they will not reassign people so your family can sit together.

I know this is not what you want to hear but take it from us. There are many of us, including myself, who fly frequently. I have seen your situation 100 times. Your best bet is asking when you board the plane. Sometimes people will move for you but the majority of the time they won't.

Your children will be fine. You are in a fairly confined space, there isn't a lot of room for anyone to go so they aren't going to disappear.

 

[bavaria]

Your best bet is asking when you board the plane. Sometimes people will move for you but the majority of the time they won't.

Your children will be fine. You are in a fairly confined space, there isn't a lot of room for anyone to go so they aren't going to disappear.

Actually, I suggest checking the website frequently, checking in at the 24 hour mark, asking again at the check in counter, and asking the gate agent. All the time remaining pleasant and polite.

There is another thread running about this topic, in which the OP and a few others advocate bullying both the airline and other passengers. This tactic will definitely not get them the assistance they desire. I have been bullied by far too many passengers who think that their needs take precedence over the other 100 people on the plane, and thus I will never advocate bullying, nor will I relinquish my seat for those people. Ask me nicely, I may consider the request. Demand that I move, or take my seat without asking, or toss the kids toys in my lap, and I will definitely not move.

On the Disneyland Paris boards, there is often griping about not getting seated together on Eurostar. I have said it before - airlines, trains, and busses do not guarantee seating. If you want a guaranteed seat assignment, drive.

 

[rgf207]

Actually, I suggest checking the website frequently, checking in at the 24 hour mark, asking again at the check in counter, and asking the gate agent. All the time remaining pleasant and polite.

There is another thread running about this topic, in which the OP and a few others advocate bullying both the airline and other passengers. This tactic will definitely not get them the assistance they desire. I have been bullied by far too many passengers who think that their needs take precedence over the other 100 people on the plane, and thus I will never advocate bullying, nor will I relinquish my seat for those people. Ask me nicely, I may consider the request. Demand that I move, or take my seat without asking, or toss the kids toys in my lap, and I will definitely not move.

On the Disneyland Paris boards, there is often griping about not getting seated together on Eurostar. I have said it before - airlines, trains, and busses do not guarantee seating. If you want a guaranteed seat assignment, drive.

Oh I don't advocate bullying either. I did not like it one bit when I was asked and really didn't like it when I was looked upon as a mean, selfish person when I politely refused to give up my aisle seat.

I was just making a suggestion to the OP and no way condoned any bullying. I was assuming that she would ask politely and be ready for a refusal by another passenger.

 

[bavaria]

Oh I don't advocate bullying either. I did not like it one bit when I was asked and really didn't like it when I was looked upon as a mean, selfish person when I politely refused to give up my aisle seat.

I was just making a suggestion to the OP and no way condoned any bullying. I was assuming that she would ask politely and be ready for a refusal by another passenger.

Sorry! I wasn't referring to you when I posted that

I didn't take your post to advocate such behaviour - but sadly many here do encourage it....

Asking nicely will get one much further than demanding

 

[time4Mickey]

While I don't advocate placing one passengers needs above another, if I book flights(not cheap ones) with assigned seats and they can change mine why can't they change others? My 3 and 4 yr old would NOT have been ok by themselves. If you have a child that age that is then thats wonderful. I don't think many children that age would be. This happened to us twice on the same trip. The flights were very rough and had it not been worked out then my son would have been traumatized. On one leg of the trip a wonderful airline employee took care of the seating for us. We weren't asking to be all placed together just so that there was an adult with each child. On the first leg, there was a comment by another passenger that said I shouldn't have booked it like that. Which of coarse I didn't and never would. If there are no assigned seats guaranteed then why couldn't they move another passenger just as easy?

The airlines web site states that they don't take unaccompanied minors until they are 5 and then have to wear a button so that all of the crew watches out for them. If I can't see my child then they are not guaranteed safe. There are child molestors everywhere even on planes, yes that is a remote possibility but it does exist. Not worth the risk for me.

And we will be flying southwest next trip.

 

[crashbb]

As I've stated in other threads, if asked nicely I am likely to move to allow a parent to sit next to their child, especially if they don't try to keep their "good" seat and switch off their "bad" one (i.e. if they currently have a middle and an aisle, I'd give up my aisle seat for their aisle seat, but not their middle seat - this, of course, assumes that they don't have two middle seats) and they ask nicely (rather than demand or threaten).

However, I must admit that I am often amused (not quite the right word, but it's late) when a parent deems that that cannot possibly be separated from an older child. I was 5 (1 day passed my birthday - flight date chosen so I was over 5) when I first flew as an UM and about 3 the first time I flew not sitting beside my parents. I'm not sure if my parents asked people to move or not - I just remember telling my parents that we should become Jewish because the man beside me had a Kosher meal and their dessert was better. So, I figure that their child would be fine too (I do know that all children are different, so I not impose my feelings on the family, but I do think them).

 

[Esmerelda]

You think that's bad...the last time I flew Delta (2001 I think...)...I was a single mom with a 10 and a 7 yr old.

We were on an L1011 (huge plane...two seats either side...6 in the middle row)...I was in the middle of row 37...they were in the left corner row 25. I could not even see them from where I was...

Delta's answer...."sorry about your luck...."


(notice this was my LAST Delta flight...LOL...never again and we also had assigned seats together until they all got changed?)

best of luck to the OP....

 

[rgf207]

While I don't advocate placing one passengers needs above another, if I book flights(not cheap ones) with assigned seats and they can change mine why can't they change others? My 3 and 4 yr old would NOT have been ok by themselves. If you have a child that age that is then thats wonderful. I don't think many children that age would be. This happened to us twice on the same trip. The flights were very rough and had it not been worked out then my son would have been traumatized. On one leg of the trip a wonderful airline employee took care of the seating for us. We weren't asking to be all placed together just so that there was an adult with each child. On the first leg, there was a comment by another passenger that said I shouldn't have booked it like that. Which of coarse I didn't and never would. If there are no assigned seats guaranteed then why couldn't they move another passenger just as easy?

The airlines web site states that they don't take unaccompanied minors until they are 5 and then have to wear a button so that all of the crew watches out for them. If I can't see my child then they are not guaranteed safe. There are child molestors everywhere even on planes, yes that is a remote possibility but it does exist. Not worth the risk for me.

And we will be flying southwest next trip.

I think you misunderstand how it works. The airline probably switched planes which had a different seat layout. They probably switched a lot of people's seats. They most likely accomodated the highest rank frequent flyers first and they they wen't by fare. I understand that you paid a lot but so did everyone else.

There are many flight attendants and counter employees that will work with you but sometimes it is out of their control. Sometimes they have nowhere to move you and they can't force other people to move.

If you are on the plane with your child, then they are not unaccompanied so that rule does not apply.

If this happens simply ask politely. Flying southwest is probably your best option so this does not happen in the future.

 

[vossjemi]

Well, guess what? We arrived at 6:30 am for an 8:30 flight. We were told our flight had been cancelled some time ago and we had been rebooked on the 6:00 am flight, so we missed our flight!!! /QUOTE]
Do airlines still expect you to telephone and reconfirm flights a few days before departure and a few days before return?

If the airline messes up your outgoing flight (includes when you properly stand by for an earlier flight) in a manner that cancels you return, then the airline should remake the return flights even if it has to forcibly book you (always possible) and ask for volunteers at flight time.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

I'm not sure what you mean. Yes, the airline changed our flight time. We weren't notified. I take my responsibility in that I didn't call the night before to confirm the actual time (I was a novice traveler at the time and believed my TA when I saw her the day before and she said she had checked and everything was confirmed) Now, when we arrived at the airport 30 minutes after our newly scheduled time, the ticket agent said everything got kicked out and she had to re-book it all for us. Were supposed to fly to Dallas and then to Maui. But, she had to ship us to St. Louis now first because no other flights to Dallas in time to make our Dallas flight. We did get in Dallas in time to make that flight to Maui, but our seats had all been changed because of the system kicking us out. No more window seat. Now stuck in the middle of a row of 5 people in the back with no reclining option.

And, when we got to Maui and called Hawaiian to confirm our flight in 7 days to Oahu, that part hadn't been re-booked. And, when we called American to confirm our flight home from Oahu, that part too hadn't been re-booked. So, I guess those didn't get done by the ticket agent properly. It all worked out, but we didn't get the seats we had picked months before. All I'm saying is don't trust AAA. Do it yourself or make sure to check your seats online regardless of what they tell you.

We went to St. Lucia last Thanksgiving with a group of 10. My Dad's TA booked the air. Not my ideal situation, but he was paying for it, so he did it how he wanted. He booked way early so seat assignments not avail yet. As soon as they did become avail, I got online and helped my family all move our seats around so we could sit close together as even though we had booked our tickets together through same TA and Dad paid all in one lump sum, either the TA or American Airlines didn't link the seats and had us all sitting in various places. I kept checking the website periodically to make sure no time/flight changes and that our seat assignments stayed the same. I don't know what happens when you let someone else book for you, but it seems you have to check it out yourself & frequently to make sure its right and stays right.

 

[vossjemi]

While I don't advocate placing one passengers needs above another, if I book flights(not cheap ones) with assigned seats and they can change mine why can't they change others? My 3 and 4 yr old would NOT have been ok by themselves. If you have a child that age that is then thats wonderful. I don't think many children that age would be. This happened to us twice on the same trip. The flights were very rough and had it not been worked out then my son would have been traumatized. On one leg of the trip a wonderful airline employee took care of the seating for us. We weren't asking to be all placed together just so that there was an adult with each child. On the first leg, there was a comment by another passenger that said I shouldn't have booked it like that. Which of coarse I didn't and never would. If there are no assigned seats guaranteed then why couldn't they move another passenger just as easy?

The airlines web site states that they don't take unaccompanied minors until they are 5 and then have to wear a button so that all of the crew watches out for them. If I can't see my child then they are not guaranteed safe. There are child molestors everywhere even on planes, yes that is a remote possibility but it does exist. Not worth the risk for me.

And we will be flying southwest next trip.

I agree totally with you. I cannot under any circumstances ever imagine being separated from a child that young. While I may wish to sit near friends and family on a flight, if it doesn't happen, I wouldn't be overly upset. But, I would be upset if I couldn't sit by my very young child. And, I'm sure the unsuspecting passengers next to your child wouldn't appreciate having to page a stewardess to find a parent every time that child needs something. This is just common courtesy for all involved...the family with the young child and the passenger who gets stuck sitting next to them. While some children may not stress out over a situation like this, others might not handle it well at all. What if that child is crying the whole time? And, I too worry far more about what could happen to my child with a stranger.

I would do what you did...try to change it online if I could, call the airline, talk to gate agent, talk to stewardess, etc.. to see if any arrangement could be made with other passengers to help me out. I probably wouldn't ask passengers myself, but if all other avenues failed before boarding, I would ask a stewardess to assist. Hopefully, they could make an announcement over the PA or something. If even the stewardess refused, I would ask if it would be ok to have my child sit on my lap then because I absolutely positively would not be separated from a young child.

 

[seashoreCM]

>>> page a steward(ess)

IMHO you push the call button only after you have tried and failed to do what you wanted done.

That said, the very first time I flew (about 5yo) my brother and I who were sitting together drove the stewardesses (no male ones back then) crazy by keeping on pushing the button for no good reason. And it was first class.