RANT: I don't care if you want to sit next to your kids on the airplane

[ronandannette]

Not saying it's right or ethical, but this isn't limited to airlines. Many hotels overbook. Both airlines and hotels use metrics to determine what percentage of customers wil! cancel or just not show. Both airlines seats and hotel rooms are perishable. They can't be sold (so, create revenue) after the plane leaves of the night ends.

Home Shopping Network has done something similar. They will take an order order when the item shows as in stock, but when they fill the orders they don't necessarily do it in order. Granted, they don't take your money if they can't fill the order.

Which makes all the difference in the world...the difference between questionable customer service and fraud.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Not saying it's right or ethical, but this isn't limited to airlines. Many hotels overbook. Both airlines and hotels use metrics to determine what percentage of customers wil! cancel or just not show. Both airlines seats and hotel rooms are perishable. They can't be sold (so, create revenue) after the plane leaves of the night ends.

Home Shopping Network has done something similar. They will take an order order when the item shows as in stock, but when they fill the orders they don't necessarily do it in order. Granted, they don't take your money if they can't fill the order.

But they’ve already been sold and the company HAS gotten their revenue. The airline/hotel has been paid for that seat/room and whether the customer shows up really shouldn’t matter. It’s when they overbook, selling the same seat or room twice, that seems fraudulent to me.

 

[Nancyg56]

That happened to us on a leg to Hawaii (or was it leaving Hawaii coming back home I can't remember) and it was an aircraft change.

The thing is we were notified of the change I believe 2 weeks ahead (give or take a few days) and we could see our seats were adjusted (still together but different numbers since the plane was smaller).

I primarily fly with SWA but I think it pays to a) have a flight notification set up with the airline to be notified of changes b) to check online periodically to see all is well

Delta changed our flight times as well. We had 5 legs total and I want to say they changed the time on 4 out of 5 legs can't exactly remember.

Let's just say Delta is a different experience than SWA is that's for sure.

I think though to the PP's point is true, people do book expecting things to just stay the same way that they booked 5,6,7 months ago and while I think it sucks having to check every so often or have flight notifications set up it's better than a surprise a few days before the flight (assuming they changed whatever they changed more than a few days before the flight) or even worse find out at the gate---at the gate you're more stressed, you're more upset (normally with the airline), etc. While not a fix-all at least trying to deal with it (like you did calling them up) before you get to the gate IMO is the best.

Yes, it was DElta, and I was not thrilled. Delta has ruffled my feathers more thatn once. I am not sure if I had notifications set up or not, but Jeez! I really am not fussy in terms of seat choices, so moving for me was nto a major problem. I do try to get aisle seats for my DH, or pay for extended leg room, so that is an issue. I should have paid better attention to my email.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Yes, it was DElta, and I was not thrilled. Delta has ruffled my feathers more thatn once. I am not sure if I had notifications set up or not, but Jeez! I really am not fussy in terms of seat choices, so moving for me was nto a major problem. I do try to get aisle seats for my DH, or pay for extended leg room, so that is an issue. I should have paid better attention to my email.

I wasn't expecting flight changes like moving seats and going from 6:10pm flight to 6:13pm flight. I really think we lucked out since the changes were so minimal. But I have heard about huge swings in flight times,etc with Delta here on the Boards. I tend to set up flight notifications for SWA so I think that's why I did it for Delta- doesn't mean I wasn't when I got it and when I logged in for the changes. I had a mini panic attack lol.

 

[design_mom]

Or perhaps the airline made the change. I was checking out airline seats prior to a flight that we had booked months in advance, and had carefully chosen seats for. The aircraft was almost empty when we booked. Imagine my surprise to see us scattered all over the plane! I called and asked what happened, and was told that the size of the aircraft had been changed, and seat assignments were changed. Ummmmm, change us back! The rep told me he could move a few of us together, (my DGD had experienced a terrible flight and was very anxious, so I wnated her with her parents) and did the best he could. We are adults, so no issues, and he did get my DD DSIL and DGD together, so it was fine. But the airline made the change, not us. He also told me that they kept seats open in case there were kids and they needed to be seated with parents.

That happened to us on a leg to Hawaii (or was it leaving Hawaii coming back home I can't remember) and it was an aircraft change.

The thing is we were notified of the change I believe 2 weeks ahead (give or take a few days) and we could see our seats were adjusted (still together but different numbers since the plane was smaller).

I primarily fly with SWA but I think it pays to a) have a flight notification set up with the airline to be notified of changes b) to check online periodically to see all is well

Delta changed our flight times as well. We had 5 legs total and I want to say they changed the time on 4 out of 5 legs can't exactly remember.

Let's just say Delta is a different experience than SWA is that's for sure.

I think though to the PP's point is true, people do book expecting things to just stay the same way that they booked 5,6,7 months ago and while I think it sucks having to check every so often or have flight notifications set up it's better than a surprise a few days before the flight (assuming they changed whatever they changed more than a few days before the flight) or even worse find out at the gate---at the gate you're more stressed, you're more upset (normally with the airline), etc. While not a fix-all at least trying to deal with it (like you did calling them up) before you get to the gate IMO is the best.

We had this happen recently, too. Also with Delta (and we normally fly Southwest, but they weren't going where we needed to go!) My extended family went on an Alaskan cruise to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Since there were 10 of us, we booked through Delta group sales. They gave us seat assignments right away, even though they don't "ticket" till 1 month before, and they were great. We were all in a "block" -- adjacent seats, consecutive rows. When we called to have the tickets issued they told me about a 5 minute change to the flight time, but didn't say anything about the seats. When we looked at the tickets, we were scattered all over the plane. They had changed the equipment and changed our seat assignments. Ugh. I was able to get it changed so everyone was sitting next to someone they knew (nobody was alone, but we were scattered in small pockets throughout the plane.)

We had four flight segments and they had changed our assignments on 3 of the 4. (And on two of them, I'm not sure if the plane was exactly the same, but the seat configuration was the same -- 3 on each side of the aisle -- so I'm really not sure why they changed it like they did. On one of the flights, we had originally booked three rows of 3 (window, middle, aisle), then the aisle seat across the aisle for our 10th person. When they rebooked, they rebooked us as 5 rows of window/aisle seats, leaving the middle seats open between. We were able to change that by putting people back into middle seats, to get our original configuration back, but I'm not sure why they would take someone OUT of a middle seat if they'd booked it that way. (It would have been great, of course, to have an empty seat between... but I'm glad we changed because the flight was completely full.)

 

[Wishing on a star]

Delta is BAD!!!!!!
One booking with them became such a nightmare, that we ended up having to downright cancel and take lame, last minute, seats in coach on a airline.
they baited and switched us, and made so many changes... refused to work with us on the last leg of the flight on another code-share airline... and that airline. (Hawaiian) told us that we booked with Delta, and they couldn't do anything to help us. We were practically being left stranded.

Airlines are evil.
Flying sucks.
Just sayin'

 

[gwynne]

Yes, it was DElta, and I was not thrilled. Delta has ruffled my feathers more thatn once. I am not sure if I had notifications set up or not, but Jeez! I really am not fussy in terms of seat choices, so moving for me was nto a major problem. I do try to get aisle seats for my DH, or pay for extended leg room, so that is an issue. I should have paid better attention to my email.

I've found that by the time they get around to emailing, the changes were made a few days or weeks before. I put a sticky by my laptop to check my Delta reservations once a week. I usually check on a Mon or Tues. The changes (at least the ones that I have noticed) are often made over a weekend.
It's annoying to have to do this, but I don't have much trouble choosing new seats when I'm one of the first to select.

 

[sam_gordon]

Personally, I've liked Delta. I've had one instance where they changed my window seat to a middle because they changed planes and eliminated the row I was sitting in. But, I've taken advantage of their change policy (if departure or arrival time is changed by 60+ minutes, you can change your flight for free) multiple times to better times. One time, we had even booked an airport 90 minutes away for a cheaper flight. They actually called me and asked if I could go on an earlier flight, I was able to move to our "home" airport (30 minutes away) at decent times for no charge.

I like that even in coach you get free drinks and a snack (granted, not much, but it's something), even (most of the time) on short flights. I flew American once (not booked by me). And on a 3 hour flight, the only thing they would do is give you a cup of water.

I like Delta's entertainment (can stream movies/tv shows to your device), and you can pay for internet and browse the web if you'd like. I think SW does that now too, I don't know about other airlines.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Personally, I've liked Delta. I've had one instance where they changed my window seat to a middle because they changed planes and eliminated the row I was sitting in. But, I've taken advantage of their change policy (if departure or arrival time is changed by 60+ minutes, you can change your flight for free) multiple times to better times. One time, we had even booked an airport 90 minutes away for a cheaper flight. They actually called me and asked if I could go on an earlier flight, I was able to move to our "home" airport (30 minutes away) at decent times for no charge.

I like that even in coach you get free drinks and a snack (granted, not much, but it's something), even (most of the time) on short flights. I flew American once (not booked by me). And on a 3 hour flight, the only thing they would do is give you a cup of water.

I like Delta's entertainment (can stream movies/tv shows to your device), and you can pay for internet and browse the web if you'd like. I think SW does that now too, I don't know about other airlines.

I think my thing is with SWA they like rarely, very very rarely, have changed flight times on me personally but it seems Delta does it quite often forcing you to keep on your toes more often.

As far as I can immediately recall out of the multiple flights I've had with SWA in the last couple of years this upcoming trip to Jamaica is the only time they've changed it when I've personally flown (can't speak to the tons of flights my husband took back in 2015--2016). The change was initially leaving Jamaica at 12:05pm then changed to 11:55am then changed to 12:00pm.

I've seen way too many comments about Delta switching people's flights 3,4,5,6 hours difference for it to not be something of a risk with Delta. Don't get me wrong Delta is fine (I flew them more when I was growing up as opposed to now flying SWA) and I'm curious how SWA will be going to Hawaii as we flew Delta to get there back in 2016 and really enjoyed the charging ports right by the seats and the built in screen to watch movies, play games, keep track of the plane, etc. I'll take a 10min adjustment over a several hour adjustment for sure though.

FWIW American Airlines says you get snacks on flights over 250 miles and non-alcoholic drinks are always on them. Wonder what happened with your flight? I've had it before where they could not do drink and snack service but that was because of turbulence and safety risks with that.

As for the airport I guess for me I only have 1 airport realistically near me 45mins-ish away from me.

 

[sam_gordon]

I'm not against SW, it's just I would have a 90 minute drive to the closest airport they service. I've flown them when the price/times are right. The two checked bags don't really help me because I get a free checked bag with Delta for everyone in my party. It would be rare that I need more than that.

If I wanted to try JB, the closest airport they service is 3 hours away I believe. No thank you.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm not against SW, it's just I would have a 90 minute drive to the closest airport they service. I've flown them when the price/times are right. The two checked bags don't really help me because I get a free checked bag with Delta for everyone in my party. It would be rare that I need more than that.

If I wanted to try JB, the closest airport they service is 3 hours away I believe. No thank you.

I didn't think you were against SWA was just saying there's been more flight time changes and concerns with that coming from Delta from other posters.

SWA's opening seating policy combined with should we or shouldn't we buy EBCI, pre-boards, Family Boarding all have their own threads lol.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

Warning everyone in advance my group is going to be stubborn us three adults are going to sit together so we can visit mom step mom and myself

We never get to see or talk to each other

 

[adelaster]

I've been trying to keep up with the discourse on this thread but have encountered several things that have confused me.

1. Is it not possible to book two or more adjoining seats on most airlines? Several people speak as if it is not.

2. Some debate of Southwest flights took place; one might accommodate a family with small children on Southwest several ways.

• When you book you can choose your rate- Business Select guarantees you A1-A15 boarding.
  
• If you select Anytime or Wanna Get Away fares, you can add "EarlyBird Check-in" - the sooner booked and added, the higher your boarding position.
  
• Most flights also offer the ability to improve your boarding position at the desk in the gate as well.
  
• Southwest also offers "Family Boarding" for one adult and at least one child aged six or younger in between the A and B boarding groups.

3. If an emergency happens on a flight- adults are supposed to put their oxygen masks on first, then on the child. Several posters seemed as if they thought that they should attend to the children first and if they did not it was wrong. I thought the reasoning behind this was pretty clear? Perhaps I just misunderstood.

In short, I am failing to comprehend how except in the most extreme scenarios a family would not be able to plan and accommodate being seated together.

I do not have much knowledge of international flights, so I cannot speak to that. Flights are an often costly luxury, and are not the only way to travel. Cars, boats, trains, buses, etc.- people with special needs have options. It baffles me that people who have chosen to have children (for it is usually a choice) cannot also choose to make accommodations for their family needs. Accidents and exceptions happens, yes, but the majority of the time one can plan for such things.

 

[Nancyg56]

Personally, I've liked Delta. I've had one instance where they changed my window seat to a middle because they changed planes and eliminated the row I was sitting in. But, I've taken advantage of their change policy (if departure or arrival time is changed by 60+ minutes, you can change your flight for free) multiple times to better times. One time, we had even booked an airport 90 minutes away for a cheaper flight. They actually called me and asked if I could go on an earlier flight, I was able to move to our "home" airport (30 minutes away) at decent times for no charge.

I like that even in coach you get free drinks and a snack (granted, not much, but it's something), even (most of the time) on short flights. I flew American once (not booked by me). And on a 3 hour flight, the only thing they would do is give you a cup of water.

I like Delta's entertainment (can stream movies/tv shows to your device), and you can pay for internet and browse the web if you'd like. I think SW does that now too, I don't know about other airlines.

I liked Delta as well, however I find they are pretty bad in terms of changing flights. One trip we lost almost a full day in WDW. I called after Delta refused to assist my DD in making a change. They wanted to charge a change fee! I called and had a chat with the manager. I book a flight that they offered, they make a change that disrupts my vacations and want to change me a change fee to make the flight work better? I think not.

 

[sam_gordon]

I liked Delta as well, however I find they are pretty bad in terms of changing flights. One trip we lost almost a full day in WDW. I called after Delta refused to assist my DD in making a change. They wanted to charge a change fee! I called and had a chat with the manager. I book a flight that they offered, they make a change that disrupts my vacations and want to change me a change fee to make the flight work better? I think not.

I think you got a bad CSR (or more than one). Delta's policy is a free change if the departure or arrival time has changed more than an hour. I've never had a problem taking advantage of it.

 

[tink1970]

Delta's policy is a free change if the departure or arrival time has changed more than an hour. I've never had a problem taking advantage of it.

I check my trips every other Saturday, since Delta makes schedule changes every Saturday. I have had to make changes for myself, DD, other family members, etc more than once but the customer service reps are very helpful. I suspect my sky medallion status helps, too.

 

[kaytieeldr]

they baited and switched us

Unless they advertised a super-low price and then tried to convince you to spend more, you were NOT baited and switched. The term has a very specific definition, which too many people ignore. "attracted by the advertisement of a low-priced item but is then encouraged to buy a higher-priced one" according to Merriam-Webster.

I think my thing is with SWA they like rarely, very very rarely, have changed flight times on me personally but it seems Delta does it quite often forcing you to keep on your toes more often.

Delta, American, and US Airways (or United, I've lost track among all the mergers) all release dates 331 days before departure. Situations change. Schedules change. Airports change. LCCs like Southwest, jetBlue, Spirit...all release schedules much closer to actual departure time.

Warning everyone in advance my group is going to be stubborn

Being too stubborn can get you ejected from the plane. If you can't get three seats together, get two. Your mom and add-on can change seats periodically so each gets to spend time with you. Plus, how long are the flights, especially compared to how long you will be at your destination?

When you book you can choose your rate- Business Select guarantees you A1-A15 boarding.

The vast majority of airline passengers buy by price alone. While this is a truly excellent recommendation, passengers are more likely to buy cheap than smart.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I will keep that in mind

 

[LongLiveRafiki]

I will keep that in mind

Make sure you have selected/paid for (if necessary) seats together when you book your tickets. Then check periodically to make sure there haven't been any changes to your seats due to plane changes, etc. If there have, change the seats back or contact the airline about it. If you get to the airport and find your seats are not together, talk to the boarding agent and see what they can do to help you.

If all of that fails, you can politely ask if another passenger wouldn't mind switching seats, but don't be upset if they say no. Just as much as you might want to sit together, they may have reasons to for needing or wanting a certain seat.

In most cases though (not all, but most), seating wants/needs can be handled just by following what's said in the first paragraph without ever needing to ask another passenger.

 

[CarolAnn856]

Warning everyone in advance my group is going to be stubborn us three adults are going to sit together so we can visit mom step mom and myself

We never get to see or talk to each other

You might change your mind on being stubborn if you are faced with being tossed off the flight. That's not really the best attitude to go in with. I don't mean declining to switch if asked, but if told by a flight attendant that your seats have changed, you will get there on time if you comply or try to work with them with a calm attitude. You might not get there at all if you put up a fuss.