Seat Assignment on NWA

[DJT]

We've always flown SW but since their flights cost quite a bit more than NWA, we're going with NWA. How do they assign seats? We haven't purchased the tickets yet but it looks like most of the seats are full when I view seating. I just wondered how they assign seats when it appears all but the green seats look full. TIA.

Donna

 

[seashoreCM]

If all of the seats on the seat map are taken, then you have to wait until you get to the airport to be assigned seats.

Usually about a fourth to a third of the seats are blocked off (unselectable) so they can let last minute higher fare passengers take their pick.

Sometimes seats will open up after you book because someone else cancelled.

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

 

[kkmauch]

This was the situation for me last May. I booked my seats on NWA but then the rest of my family, who was booking seperately, couldn't pick their seats. So, we kept checking back until just before the trip. About 2 weeks out, a bunch of seats opened up. They either switched planes to a bigger one, or they opened up that last block of seats for everyone. When I called NWA about the seat assignments for my family, I was told that if nothing opened up before the trip they would be assigned during on-line check-in or at the airport.

 

[yellowfish78]

NWA is also an airline that normally doesn't release seat selection until 90 days prior flight departure...so definately check 90 days prior. If seats still don't appear, check in early at the airport!

 

[DebbieB]

NW holds almost all the seats in front of the wing for their elite members. They will release them at the 24 hour mark for online check-in.