Exit Seat allocation

[Joemac]

I have a query for any frequent International traveller. I recently flew to UK from Sydney on Virgin Atlantic and was amazed to be informed by check in staff that I would have to pay an extras $150 per leg for an exit seat. (Syd-HK and HK-London) All up an extra $600 for the round trip. I asked the other passengers on the exit seats if they experienced the same and none of them had to pay as they didn't specifically ask for the exit seat. This stinks of discrimination and opportunism. I've tried writing to their customer service via e-mail but they just wrote 2 paragraphs without explaining anything or answering the specific requests I made. I'm still waiting on another response to a more direct e-mail.

Does anyone know the contact details for the Ombudsman or any Senior personnel in Virgin Atlantic to take this further?

Cheers

[Mal]

Welcome to AFF!

On the Virgin Atlantic website, it is indicated that a fee may be payable for an exit row seat:

Virgin Atlantic Airways - Popup

"Q Can I select an exit row seat?
A Exit row seats are held for assignment at airport check in only, as passengers wishing to sit in these seats must be physically capable of carrying out the associated responsibilities. We must be able to see a passenger’s physical condition before assigning them an exit row seat. On most routes, these seats can be purchased for a fee on arrival at the airport.
"

I presume (like some other airlines) that by paying the $150/sector, you are guaranteed the exit row whereas other passengers aren't guaranteed the exit row seating.

I'm not sure what recourse you have as this seems like standard business practice for some airlines.

[JohnK]

Most LCCs charge extra money to pre-select a seat and even more to select an exit row. OK Virgin Atlantic is not a LCC but I do not think it is written into any contract that they cannot charge extra for exit rows.

Did you ask for exit row? Did they inform you that you needed to pay extra? Did you accept? It is almost irrelevant what the arrangement was for the other passengers. I am surprised that you feel that exit row seating was worth $600 extra for the return trip.

I don't think the ombudsman can do anything for you. The situation is similar to upgrades to business class cabin. Some people pay for business class, others pay for economy and request upgrade to business class with points or cash and others get op-ups. Just because the person next to you received an op-up and you paid for the upgrade with points does not mean that you have a case with the airline.

Anyway good luck....

[Joemac]

Thanks for the responses people. The reason I need the Exit seat is that I'm 6'4" and with the Airlines squeezing more and more seats in over the years now means that there are precious few airlines where I can physically fit into the standard seats without my knees being jammed into the back of the seat in front and on a 24hr flight, it's a complete nightmare. It's also a pain in the butt for passengers in front of me, as they cannot recline their seats either.
I just think it's a bit rich for Virgin Atlantic to charge someone who evidently NEEDS the exit seat as opposed to someone who is willing to pay for one.

Seems like no more VA flights for me then!!

Anyone know which airline has the most legroom? I've flown Qantas, BA, Virgin & Emirates and not really impressed with any of them.

[JohnK]

Anyone know which airline has the most legroom? I've flown Qantas, BA, Virgin & Emirates and not really impressed with any of them.

They are all the same at around 30"-32" pitch. I think Air New Zealand may have 34" pitch in economy.

How often do you travel? You may have to pay little extra to travel in a premium cabin if you have those sorts of issues.

[Fluid-Flyer]

I've flown Qantas, BA, Virgin & Emirates and not really impressed with any of them.

IMO, any airline that seats Economy in a B777 as 3x4x3 is to be avoided, (likewise an A330/340 as 3x3x3)... so say no to Emirates!

[dajop]

They are all the same at around 30"-32" pitch. I think Air New Zealand may have 34" pitch in economy.

Air NZ have 34" pitch in their 747, but only 32" in the 777. Malaysian and Thai both have 34" pitch. I can't speak on Malaysian's aircraft, but on the 777 I flew on Thai last year, the extra 2" was noticeable.

[oz_mark]

Air NZ have 34" pitch in their 747, but only 32" in the 777. Malaysian and Thai both have 34" pitch. I can't speak on Malaysian's aircraft, but on the 777 I flew on Thai last year, the extra 2" was noticeable.

Thai have various configs - and one of the 777 configs has a 31" pitch in one of the zones.

[NYCguy]

The reason I need the Exit seat is that I'm 6'4"...

So an extra $600 for the return journey should be worth it, surely?

Especially compared with the extra money required for Biz?

Sometimes expensive fares are worth it, simply for the sake of comfort.

[simongr]

Thanks for the responses people. The reason I need the Exit seat is that I'm 6'4" and with the Airlines squeezing more and more seats in over the years now means that there are precious few airlines where I can physically fit into the standard seats without my knees being jammed into the back of the seat in front and on a 24hr flight, it's a complete nightmare. It's also a pain in the butt for passengers in front of me, as they cannot recline their seats either.
I just think it's a bit rich for Virgin Atlantic to charge someone who evidently NEEDS the exit seat as opposed to someone who is willing to pay for one.

Seems like no more VA flights for me then!!

Anyone know which airline has the most legroom? I've flown Qantas, BA, Virgin & Emirates and not really impressed with any of them.

Actually in this instance I think this is a reason to fly Virgin Atlantic. On QF you can't guarantee an exit row unless you are Platinum - at least this way you have some guarantee.

In terms of fairness -there would be people in economy who paid more and less than what you paid aznd didnt get the exit row - fairness is not an airline concept.