[simongr]

I split this off from the seat allocation thread in the questions sub-forum as this is a pure QF question. I was under the impression that seats on domestic flights were only ever allocated overnight the day before the flight. I.e. Thursday night for a Friday flight.

I just checked my flight SYD-BNE on 23/9/06 QF175 on www.checkmytrip.com and it said we had seats 49AB allocated. Thinking that was impossible I jumped onto www.expertflyer.com to prove to myself that you couldnt get a seat map for domestic economy and low and behold there is the seat map!

So I have two questions - is this a very new thing? Is it because the flight is close in time to now?

I also have a question on that flight on a 747-400 what is a good seat choice if I move. Mrs Sim wants the window but then I will get middle (49B) so I am thinking 37DE are the best options - at least we dont have to climb over anyone. Everything further forward is already allocated

If this is a new thing I am stunned that it hasnt been mentioned here (sim waits for posts indicating multiple threads on sam etopic )

Cheers

S

P.s. just checked the return flight and got this message...

Originally Posted by expertflyer

Pre-assigned seating is not available for this flight because the airline is holding the seat assignments for the gate agent

[oz_mark]

QF175 being an international service may have some effect on the seating allocation.

[simongr]

Aha! Sorry about that - I got all overexcited for no reason Should have checked that when I booked - could have got better seats

[NM]

Yes, you can pre-allocate on the domestic legs of international services. So if flight number is less than QF400 you can indeed pre-allocate seats in all classes with the same restrictions as an international flight, including seats reserved for higher status FF members and the pre-allocation limit being reached.

[Dave Noble]

Why not pre-allocate something like 49AC and gamble that noone will take the middle seat. In the unlikely event that someone does, I'm sure that they'd be happy to move to aisle/window

Dave

[simongr]

Might be an idea - the 49AC thing - will have to run it past mrs sim first

[simongr]

Just another question or two. Given this is a domestic flight on an international plane do I have to go through immigration - how do I bypass immigration?

Also - given this is a very discounted flight (O) and not upgradable using ODU - is there any way to pay extra to get it to a class that I could oDU?

Cheers

S

[NM]

Originally Posted by simongr

Just another question or two. Given this is a domestic flight on an international plane do I have to go through immigration - how do I bypass immigration?

Yes, you have to pass through the Immigration processing. Your boarding pass will be issued with an Orange D sticker on it indicating that you are a domestic passenger. You can use the immigration queue identified as being for domestic passengers. You will need to have valid government issued photo id such as Aussie drivers license (if you are Aussie citizen) or Passport for non-Aussie citizens. This is only used for ID and no stamps inserted.

At the destination end, again show your Orange D stickered boarding pass at Immigration and Customs processing. Just follow the signs for Domestic passengers.

All passengers, whether donestic or international can be subject to quarantine and customs inspections. However, it is most common for Domestic passengers to be permitted to bypass the quarantine and customs checks.

Note that you are not permitted to make duty-free purchases.

Originally Posted by simongr

Also - given this is a very discounted flight (O) and not upgradable using ODU - is there any way to pay extra to get it to a class that I could oDU?

Depends on the specific fare rules for the fare you have purchased. Check your terms and conditions.

[serfty]

Originally Posted by NM

... At the destination end, again show your Orange D stickered boarding pass at Immigration and Customs processing. Just follow the signs for Domestic passengers. ...

Note that it is very important you keep your "Orange D stickered boarding pass". Customs will relieve you of it at the very last. If you wish to retain a copy; detatch the Stub (if you still have it) before hand.

[kelfly]

newbie question - where do you see your seat allocation on check my trip? I had a look & see my flight but not my seat?