No seats together on our flight!

[chamonix]

Has anyone had any experience with getting seats changed at the gate? We have reservations on American but there were no seats together. We are traveling with a child (7yo girl) and I don't want her to have to sit by herself with a stranger. As it stands, we all have the window seats in three different consecutive rows. I called American and they said to just ask at the gate and the agent will try to find a volunteer to switch. She was "sure" someone would, since who would want to sit by a 7yo alone, lol. Oh, and this is in first class were there are only two seats on each side. The whole section is filled with singles on the aisle, who probably were hoping noone would book the window next to them, so I doubt anyone will be happy switching. (Or, possibly they are with someone who is reserved across the aisle, hoping they both get their whole side row to themselves--?) I just hate having to go there and "ruin" someones seat assignment, and I also hate having to be nervous about getting this fixed at the gate. I am a nervous flyer already (well, until the xanax kicks in, lol) and this is not helping.

 

[castlegazer]

Well, my situation was a little different in that I was traveling with an infant and my DH on an overly booked flight. We were not able to get seat assignments prior to arriving at the airport. My son and I were placed together - obviously - but my DH had to be in a different row. I do not see that it would be a problem if you asked as I am sure they would not want to separate you from your child. I know that it is against policy to allow an infant to travel without a guardian sitting next to them, but I don't know about a child age 7. It should not be a problem, though.

 

[QBUSH]

The flight attendants are more than experienced at solving this problem - doesn't mater if it is coach or 1st class. We fly 1st class often because we have a lot of FF miles. We too are a family of 3. My son, now 12, but even as young as 4 preferred to sit with Mommy which was fine by DH who loved to 'nap'. My husband has often been seated next to a child and asked 'where is your daddy?mommy? maybe we can trade seats'. Believe me it always works out. The flight attendants will know who is flying solo and approach them personally in 1st class (at least that is how Delta does it) and if it is coach they make an announcement once everyone is on board. Someone will be happy to switch with you.

Since your seats are in 3 consecutive rows you might just kindly ask her seatmate as soon as you board. I think you will get the response you wish for. Otherwise, ask your seatmate. It will be fine.

 

[kilee]

I would think you would find someone willing to help you. I mean you have 3 rows of people to potentially ask. However, while they won't let an infant fly alone. A 7 yr old can be in a separate row from their parents. Once again though, I wouldn't stress too much about it-- I think things will work out.

 

[Sandi]

Checking in and getting to the gate early won't hurt. Explain your situation both to the check in agent and the gate agent.

This happened to us (me, my mom, and my then 7 yo DD) a couple of years ago. Our assigned seats were all over the plane. My DD was the most stressed about it and was crying even though I tried to assure her that we'd work it out fine. The check in agent was worthless, but the gate agent was an angel. Somehow, he arranged to bump us to first class -- my DD and I together and my mom right behind my DD.

Also, when I travel alone on business, I always watch for those situations and have offered my seat so a parent and child can be together. It is funny to watch the musical chairs that can go on -- you'll always find good people out in the world (and a few nut jobs, too).

Don't stress about it.

 

[kda]

And keep checking back with the airline periodically. People change flight plans all the time, so something may open up. Don't know if you can access the seat chart on AA to check for yourself --- if so, when you see 2 seats together, call the airline. Good luck!