Virgin Seating Problem.

[wayneg]

We have always had our prebooked seats no problem until this Xmas we arrived 2 hours to take off and we had to sit 2+2, 10 rows apart. Online checkin was down and the staff at checkin did what they could to seat us together, luckily I knew the rules so just accepted it instead of getting mad and ruining the first few hours of my holiday, I have seen this happen more than once.
As for row 48, we pre book this row everytime. Have done for 3 years (about 7 holidays). I know it says limited recline but all apart from 1 trip we have had extra recline with it being the back row. I believe whoever did this seat test got the plane we had with limited recline, all the others have been fantastic. Our return trip at Easter, I got 7 hours sleep out of 8 hours I had so much room.

 

[MorningGlory]

We have always had our prebooked seats no problem until this Xmas we arrived 2 hours to take off and we had to sit 2+2, 10 rows apart. Online checkin was down and the staff at checkin did what they could to seat us together, luckily I knew the rules so just accepted it instead of getting mad and ruining the first few hours of my holiday, I have seen this happen more than once.
As for row 48, we pre book this row everytime. Have done for 3 years (about 7 holidays). I know it says limited recline but all apart from 1 trip we have had extra recline with it being the back row. I believe whoever did this seat test got the plane we had with limited recline, all the others have been fantastic. Our return trip at Easter, I got 7 hours sleep out of 8 hours I had so much room.

I was wondering on who's advice I had booked row 48 for us. Now I know

I was a little bit worried after reading some of the comments about it, but im confident now that I made the right choice

 

[mikey1]

That's good to know. If we could get those seats outbound we would take them. Coming back is obviously a night flight, with everyone reclining anyway, so most seats are fine.

 

[mikey1]

Nuts.Double post.

 

[Hilary]

It does clearly say tho that it is not guaranteed that you will get the seats you want so I don't really think its worth making a big deal out of it.

I've had about 15% success with Virgin's requested seats - I've had far more flights when our seats have been changed than those when we've managed to keep the ones we requested.

I am happy to accept that this is only a request; my gripe is that so many people seem to be disappointed with the way the request system works (or doesn't!) that I can't understand why Virgin offer it - they are setting themselves up for some disgruntled passengers before they've even taken off!

Now, we go through the motions of making our requests, but just assume they'll be changed before check-in!

 

[AliceGardner]

I've had about 15% success with Virgin's requested seats - I've had far more flights when our seats have been changed than those when we've managed to keep the ones we requested.

I am happy to accept that this is only a request; my gripe is that so many people seem to be disappointed with the way the request system works (or doesn't!) that I can't understand why Virgin offer it - they are setting themselves up for some disgruntled passengers before they've even taken off!

Now, we go through the motions of making our requests, but just assume they'll be changed before check-in!

Certainly BA nologer offer seating requests (either online or by phone - for reservations made since Jan 1st 2007) - unless you are on a full fare ticket or a first class ticket. So all BA passengers now have to wait until they can check-in online, 24 hours before their flight

Personally I prefer Virgin's system - it is not gauranteed, but you still have a chance of getting the seats that you choose...

Alice

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Can I just ask - we are hoping (fingers crossed!!) that we will be allocated a sky cot when we get to the airport for our 8mth old - should I still bother to make an on-line request for other seats to ensure we are together - or do you think that might hinder my chances of the sky cot seats (In case Virgin think that we are happy with what we've booked online and give the sky cots to someone else) - does that make any sense at all???!!!

PLus - we were going to do the twilight check-in - will they be able to tell us the night before whether we will get the sky cot seats???

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Can I just ask - we are hoping (fingers crossed!!) that we will be allocated a sky cot when we get to the airport for our 8mth old - should I still bother to make an on-line request for other seats to ensure we are together - or do you think that might hinder my chances of the sky cot seats (In case Virgin think that we are happy with what we've booked online and give the sky cots to someone else) - does that make any sense at all???!!!

PLus - we were going to do the twilight check-in - will they be able to tell us the night before whether we will get the sky cot seats???

You really need to contact Flying Club or Special Assistance, and put your request in for the skycot ASAP.
They do not carry many on the flight and uts first come, first served.
By making the request, you can also get the bulkhead seats where the skycots fit.
If you leave it to the airport, these may have gone and you wont have the option of a skycot.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

oh thanks OBi - you always seem to be the one that helps me!!!

(By the way - you will probably read my post on another thread about this same question - so please ignore it!!!)

By the way - do you know where I'd get those phone numbers???

 

[MorningGlory]

oh thanks OBi - you always seem to be the one that helps me!!!

(By the way - you will probably read my post on another thread about this same question - so please ignore it!!!)

By the way - do you know where I'd get those phone numbers???

VH special assistance is 0870 990 8350.

VA is 0870 380 2004.

Hth

 

[amystevekai&bump]

thanks Paul - I shall give it a go!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi just rang Virgin and thought I'd update you incase it helps anyone else!!

I will need to ring them back 11mths before the return flight date and they will issue a Flight Locator number - I can then ring Virgin Atlantic who will note my Sky Cot request.

Thanks everyone for their help!!