Changing seat allocation on award booking

Brettmcg · #1 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 04:16 PM

Hi All,

Just made a booking to fly to Frankfurt in November using FF points. Unfortunately I don't have any status, but will be a QC member by my departure. Wondering what the chances of moving seats might be, and your tips for good Economy seats. Here is what I've been allocated:

Melbourne - Perth
Flight 1: Melbourne - Perth:None specified
Perth - Singapore
Flight 1: Perth - Singapore: 28J ,
Singapore - Frankfurt
Flight 1: Singapore - Frankfurt: 64D ,
Frankfurt - Singapore
Flight 1: Frankfurt - Singapore: 35C ,
Singapore - Perth
Flight 1: Singapore - Perth: 28G ,
Perth - Melbourne
Flight 1: Perth - Melbourne:None specified

If possible I'd like Bulkhead or Exit Row seats, which means an early arrival at the airport. Any tips on sweet talking CI agents to giving me such?

Cheers,

Brett

tscharke · #2 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 04:22 PM

unless you are 6ft+ I dont wholly agree with exit row seats!!!!'

the fact that you are next to the toilets, bassinets and the fact that most pax come to that area to stretch their legs can become a little annoying!!!! (yes, i have had bad experience with exit Y seats...however being a new father I now have a new appreciation of traveling with infants!!!!!)

edit:: wahooo! promoted to posting freak!!!!

Brettmcg · #3 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 04:25 PM

I am 5' 11" and appreciate the extra little comforts (if possible). Last time I made this flight I was stuck behind the crew seats where there appeared to be even less pitch than between other seats!

I am young, fit and willing to help in an emergency. Maybe you have suggestions of other seats towards the front of the aircraft?

NM · #4 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 04:27 PM

without QF Platinum status, you are not going to get an eit row seat pre-allocated. Only chance for that is to request at check-in time.

Bulkheads are usually blocked from the pre-allocations and only available to QF Platinum and Gold members (and CL of course). So again no chance of having them pre-allocated without status.

Brettmcg · #5 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 04:30 PM

I understand that PAX loads will increase up to the day of the booking, but I am hoping against hope that a Wednesday departure will mean an "emptier" plane. As far as I can tell I may as well just camp out at the airport and check-in as earlier as possible.

Realistically though, what are my chances?

serfty · #6 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NM

... Bulkheads are usually blocked from the pre-allocations and only available to QF Platinum and Gold members (and CL of course). ...

and PS and QP!

serfty · #7 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brettmcg

I understand that PAX loads will increase up to the day of the booking, but I am hoping against hope that a Wednesday departure will mean an "emptier" plane. As far as I can tell I may as well just camp out at the airport and check-in as earlier as possible.

Realistically though, what are my chances?

For now, I'd check out the seat maps and try to improve your seating as much as you can. You will see the first few rows of WHY as being allocated already; in reality some will be, but this early on many are blocked for allocation by QP and above. So decide on your seats and call Qantas armed with your booking reference.

Get to PER before check-in opens and queue up at least three hours before the flight. Then ask for exit rows/bulkheads. (avoid Window seats in exit rows on 744's, but OK for 333's)

Brettmcg · #8 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 05:26 PM

By QP I'm assuming you mean 'Qantas Pub', which as I mentioned I should become a member of in two or so weeks time (I sent my mem. app in today actually). Would it then be worth giving the QP Service Centre and seeing what they can do?

justinbrett · #9 (**permalink**) 25th July 2007, 08:53 PM

BA let gold/saphire preselect exit row seats.

Another reason why I fly BA over QF.

NM · #10 (**permalink**) 26th July 2007, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brettmcg

By QP I'm assuming you mean 'Qantas Pub', which as I mentioned I should become a member of in two or so weeks time (I sent my mem. app in today actually). Would it then be worth giving the QP Service Centre and seeing what they can do?

Note that seating allocations ofr existing reservations will not be automatically updated when you join. So once you get you membership kit, call QF and ask about selecting a better seat. Still won't be able to preselect exit rows though.