No Seats?

[Dis31]

We just booked our airline tickets for April 28 on Continental and when we tried to choose our seats and there were none showing as available! does this mean the flight is overbooked and we're probably gonna get bumped? We really wanted to be able to sit together do you think there is a chance?

 

[Alice Sr.]

This happened to us in November on Ted. My youngest DD didn't decide that she wanted to go with us until 3 weeks after I booked air for myself and my oldest DD. I even called the airline and they were very nice and assured me that they were not over booked but that the airline holds back some seats until departure day I know I was very nervous and called several times trying to get their seats assigned. She and her friend were only 15 and I was not excited about having them bumped. It all worked out, they seats were in the last row but they made it.

 

[dudspizza]

Airlines typically hold back seats for the day of the flight. Make sure to use their online check in 24 hrs in advance and there should be seats available for you to choose from. Continental has "preferred" seats for their elite flyers that are reserved for them until check in starts. Just make sure to do it at the 24 hr mark.

Duds

 

[CarolA]

I agree that you will get a seat. Getting a bunch of seats together booking this late may be more difficult.

 

[Lewisc]

We just booked our airline tickets for April 28 on Continental and when we tried to choose our seats and there were none showing as available! does this mean the flight is overbooked and we're probably gonna get bumped? We really wanted to be able to sit together do you think there is a chance?

Seats are held back, in part, so families with young children can sit together but if your kids are older (than 5) your entire family might not be sitting together.

 

[seashoreCM]

Even if there are lots of seats available you may not be allowed to select seats in advance (1) fewer than so many days before departure or (2) after so many seats have already been selected by others. This varies by airline.

Another "window" for selecting seats may open up closer to departure. Check back both on line and on the phone periodically because exactly when this window opens (or if one does) is not always advertised.

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

 

[funcinderella]

Not sure how Continental handles it, but we flew Delta Song in November out of NYC and could not get seat assignments ahead ( we booked way ahead and had seats, but they then cancelled our flight and kept moving us around, and we ended up with no seat assignments.) We had two 4-year olds and were told don't worry, they'll take care of you at the airport. We got there very early, but the flight was overbooked, they wanted no part of helping us and we got single seats all over the plane. We were able to do a little maneuvering due to some nice people, but the children were still not directly next to us. (One in the row ahead, one in the row behind, etc.) Let me tell you, by the time the flight was ready to take off, the people around us realized it would be much easier to have these children seated next to their mother or grandmother for the entire flight, rather than next to THEM (otherwise they would have been sobbing the whole way there.) But it was definitely no thanks to Delta. The flight attendants were not at all helpful, and told us basically we needed to fend for ourselves.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

We just booked our airline tickets for April 28 on Continental

This is what can happen when you wait until the last minute to purchase tickets. This is not a criticism of the OP, just an observation as to why it's a good idea to book as soon as your plans are finalized.

I'd rather pay more (in the event that there may be a future sale, not likely these days anyway) and have my flights and seats all set and not have to worry.

 

[Alice Sr.]

This is what can happen when you wait until the last minute to purchase tickets. This is not a criticism of the OP, just an observation as to why it's a good idea to book as soon as your plans are finalized.

I'd rather pay more (in the event that there may be a future sale, not likely these days anyway) and have my flights and seats all set and not have to worry.

I think you are sadly mistaken if you think that because you booked early and/or paid more that your seats and flight are safe from changes. The previous poster booked early also but the airline rescheduled their flight, which happens quite a bit when you book early.

 

[Iluvthemouse]

This can happen if you book way far in advance as well.

It happened to us on USair. I even reconfirmed our flight the night prior. The next morning DH, myself and DD (aged 3 at the time) checked in and our seats were all over the plane. I asked what happened and the desk agent said they dumped the aircraft for a smaller one. He said the computer assigns the seats (mind you, we all have the same last name). We had to go to the gate and ask. The guy there says "USair only guarantees you a seat, not a seat next to each other". What a jerk. After he left I went back up to the female with my 3yo DD and asked her and surprise, surprise she put DH and DD together. I was a few rows back. Then when we got on the plane someone switched with me.

Seats and airlines are two words that dont go together. The above reason is why I will not fly USair again. They are the worse for seats.

 

[debden]

Dis31 Give US Airways a call and ask them if you can get your seats assigned.
Sometimes they don't show seats online but if you call you can get your seat assignment.
Call them and let us know what they say...
Debbie

 

[Dis31]

Thanks everyone .... I'm going to call now and see what we can do I'll let you know how it goes. Also we hadn't planed on going to Disney in April we had to modify our vacation for personal reasons so we had no choice but to book our airfare at the last minute as I only knew a few days ago, we weren't waiting for the fares to drop or holding out for anything it was simply a last minute change in plans. Thanks for the advice though it definetly made me feel better so ill see what happens when I call !

 

[Dis31]

WELL.... i felll so much better right now ! I finally got through and the lady let me know there are plenty of seats available we jsut have to call the day prior. Thank goodness!