Gold Benefits: econ bulkhead & emergency exit seat

I'm after a bit of clarification after some obvious confusion yesterday

I normally have no issue at all getting a bulkhead seat in PE

However, given the excuse that we call the credit crunch, my company only allows for Economy...

So, I check in at Narita yesterday, and ask for emergency exit seats if possible. Sorry, can't give you these unless you give us 75. I was kinda expecting this response. However....

Then get into the clubhouse (I do wish they'd get proper sausages instead of the miserable hotdog sausages), and ask again... No, sorry, 75 only. 'Confused,' says I. She double checks, and comes back again saying that I'd have to pay.... So, I agree to stay where I am...

Narita is the only place I've encountered so far that doesn't allow gold to use the emergency exit seats.... LHR it's done an hour before take off.

Am I wrong, or was my Narita experience a one off?

One last thing, once sat down in my seat, an incredibly beautiful member of the cabin crew apologized for me not getting an emergency exit seat and mentioned they had a couple of bulkhead available, and offered to get me champagne and choccies from UC (which went down wonderfully)

Confused....

Paul

You've highlighted one of my continual bugbears about these seats, IMO Au FC members should be able to prebook them and have no charge. This benefit is available on so many airlines and it's about time VS came up to scratch!

[preiffer]

The answer, however, is no - your assumption was incorrect Paul. Complimentary exit seats are NOT a gold benefit.

Although I think being AU stands you in better chance of getting one. I was given one free on Saturday at 7.30am for the 11:30am flight to Washington.

It may have been because they knew the flight was delayed and did n't want to tell me......

Originally posted by woggledog


an incredibly beautiful member of the cabin crew

Paul

This must have been me. Haha, just kidding. [:D]

Originally posted by preiffer
Complimentary exit seats are NOT a gold benefit.

Its a shame as these are just petty little things. If the seats are available and if an AU FC member asks for it then surely the pros out weigh the cons.

[preiffer]

...until the (number of exit seats)+1, gold card holder throws a strop for not getting one when they go to check in.

Which CAN and WOULD happen. [ii][:0]

This is no different to Op-Ups. This is a form of upgrade so why would VS give them for free when there is always someone who is prepared to pay for it. This is why they've also increased some of seat pitches in Y and blocked the back seats in Y, because people are prepared to pay for them.

Maybe VS should do the 'Beep' at the gate to FC Au for 'upgrades' to bulkhead and exit seats in Y.