VA seat reservations info.

[wayneg]

Restrictions to Seat Reservations on flights from 01 November 2012

We are making some improvements to our seat assignment process. In order to minimise the impact of these changes on our passengers, we need to restrict the number of seats allocated within the system, throughout the period of development. From 9th January 2012 we will only be able to offer advanced seat selection for flights departing before 01 November 2012. This policy applies in every cabin. We will add any updates on progress to our website and when the system changes have been completed, we will once again open up seat assignment to 336 days before each flight.

Please don’t forget that all seats, on every flight will be available to select when check-in opens (this is at -24 hours for mobile and on-line check in). In exceptional circumstances some seat allocations may be moved due to operational requirements.

 

[igk]

Thanks, sounds like a recipe for chaos
Our flights are Oct 21 - Nov 02, and have pre-assigned seats already, but will hopefully change to better ones at OLCI.
I wonder what the 'improvements' will be, and for whom they will be designed. Hopefully not along the BA lines of making you pay...

 

[tony64]

That's interesting we've booked our flights for 11th November and w were able to book our seats. I'll have to go back and see if they have gone.

 

[queendisney]

That's interesting we've booked our flights for 11th November and w were able to book our seats. I'll have to go back and see if they have gone.

its from 9th January 2012, so I suppose if you have already done them then thats ok.

 

[orangetiggs]

Oh best ook our flights before then, we fly out 1st nov!

 

[Constant]

We are going before then in Aug and we have found that the seat map has been reset and locked again so seats that we did have for the outbound have been lost. I hope that like last year it will be reset, I am thinking that it is related to which plane we are on, it was A330 and is now showing 747. If they are making changes which means this is more stable it has my vote, nothing worse than thinking you know you seats are secure, one reason we choose virgin and then not know if we can all sit together. I wouldn't mind paying a little if they acutally treat it like a service rather than something we should just be grateful for!

 

[casinocolin]

That's interesting we've booked our flights for 11th November and w were able to book our seats. I'll have to go back and see if they have gone.

This has been asked and answered on VA FAQ

Restrictions to Seat Reservations on flights from 01 November 2012 - Existing reservations

Published 09/01/2012 12.03 PM | Updated 09/01/2012 12.39 PM

Question
I currently have a seat selected for a flight that departs after November 2012 will I be allowed to keep it?

Answer;
Yes. Since there will be very few people with seat reservations after November 2012 we will do our best to maintain these few seats throughout system testing (we may need to remove them in exceptional operational circumstances).

 

[Samaya]

The following was added yesterday on Virgin Atlantic's website, I've also pasted below some of their Q&A's, to see a full list go to http://virginatlantic.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/p/88/search/1

Regards
Samaya

Restrictions to Seat Reservations on flights from 01 November 2012

We are making some improvements to our seat assignment process. In order to minimise the impact of these changes on our passengers, we need to restrict the number of seats allocated within the system, throughout the period of development. From 9th January 2012 we will only be able to offer advanced seat selection for flights departing before 01 November 2012. This policy applies in every cabin. We will add any updates on progress to our website and when the system changes have been completed, we will once again open up seat assignment to 336 days before each flight.

Please don’t forget that all seats, on every flight will be available to select when check-in opens (this is at -24 hours for mobile and on-line check in). In exceptional circumstances some seat allocations may be moved due to operational requirements.
To find out more on how this might affect you, read these associated FAQ's

Q) I currently have a seat selected for a flight that departs after November 2012, will I be allowed to keep it?
A) Yes. Since there will be very few people with seat reservations after November 2012 we will do our best to maintain these few seats throughout system testing (we may need to remove them in exceptional operational circumstances).

Q) Are you going to charge for seat assignment?
A) We do not intend to charge for seat assignment in the immediate future.

Q) Will my seat for a flight before November 2012 be honoured?
A) Yes.

Q) I have a seat reservation for a flight post November 2012 but I need to allocate seats for the rest of my party?
A) You will be able to do this at check in.

Q) If I have currently have a seat allocated for a flight post Nov 2012 can I change it?
A) Unfortunately not, we can honour all existing seat reservations but the system changes were are making prevent us accepting new reservations and to the system a change is the same as a new booking.

Q) What if I change my flight?
A) If your new flight leaves before November 2012 then you will be able to reselect your seat (this also applies for return flights but if your outbound flight is before November 2012 and your return flight is after November 2012 you will only be able to select a seat in advance for the outbound flight. You will need to select your return flight seat at check-in. The best way to secure a specific seat location is to check in as early as you can and on-line is the best place to do this. On-line and mobile check in open 24 hours before your flight departs.
If your new flight leaves after November 2012 you will only be able to select yourself a seat when check-in opens. The best way to secure a specific seat location is to check in as early as you can and on-line is the best place to do this. On-line and mobile check in open 24 hours before your flight departs.

 

[wayneg]

Merged with thread I started last week.

 

[nevanddonna]

I booked my flights at the begining of December (for Sept '12) but I've only just booked my seats today. All seems to be working fine.