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Seat Allocation

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2006, 11:36
by AP786
I am flying with virgin to Las Vegas from Gatwick in April in economy, the aircraft is a 747-400, now on virgins website when they give you the map to pick your seat i have chosen seats 45A & 45B now seat 45C on the virgin map shows as being taken but if you go to expedia and other websites on their seat maps for the same flight seat 45C is actually not available at all just 45A,B appear and 45C is missing. this is also happening for some middle row seats as well where they don't show up at all they seem to be blocked. Can anyone explain? I am travelling with my dad and would prefer that no-one sits in 45C.

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2006, 11:58
by preiffer
Hi AP786 and welcome. [y]

Personally, I'd trust the VS Map over Expedia, since VS provide them with the information anyway. If you can give us your flight date, we can have a look for you here using another tool called ExpertFlyer (which, I'd say, is also a lot more reliable than the Expedia version of seat map...)

On another note, while you may not *want* anyone to sit in an aisle seat next to you, the reality is that they probably will. You purchased two tickets, you're entitled to two seats - you don't get a say in what happens to the the other ones on the plane unless you buy them too. (which IS possible to do... ;))

The Vegas route can get pretty busy, and aisle seats are a lot more desirable for someone to request than a middle somewhere else on the plane.

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2006, 12:07
by AP786
We're flying VS043 on 13th APR!
Many thanks!!

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2006, 12:13
by preiffer
Originally posted by AP786
We're flying VS043 on 13th APR!
Many thanks!!
In which case, yes, 45C is definitely taken.

In fact, all of row 45 is full. The only groups of three seats that remain in Y (that can be prebooked) are: 47A-C; 47H-K; 55H-K; 56A-C; 56H-K.

However, that flight is already looking VERY busy. The chances of you sitting with a spare seat next to you on the day are between 0 and 0.1%, I'd say, especially since it's around Easter...

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2006, 12:24
by AP786
Thanks preiffer for that, i just found the coupon for expert flyer and had a look myself, the fuuny thing is if you have a look on the seat map for that flight it shows seats 61,62 and 63 as being 3-4-3 when in fact they are 2-4-2, also what do you think my chances are of an upgrade if i called and asked? I think i have an N class ticket although i don't know, how do i find out?

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2006, 12:31
by preiffer
Not sure about the last few rows, but it's also not showing the very last two rows for pre-allocation. This is a handy reference page ;))

Your fare basis is normally printed on your e-ticket or booking confirmation, something like:

VSxxx Economy (N)

To be honest, if it's an N class ticket - the only pre-departure upgrade you'll be able to do is if you buy an entirely new ticket. You can call them to check though, and they can give you all the options (based on your purchased ticket type.

On the day (at the airport), it will more likely be a case of how much you want to charge to your credit card than how much they want to upgrade you...

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2006, 12:46
by AP786
Just spoke to Virgin who said that i have an N class ticket but can upgrade to premium economy (W) class for £219 each way.

PostPosted: 01 Jan 2006, 12:51
by preiffer
Hmm. It won't be W - it'll be a K at a guess (a W is about a £2000 ticket return). But nice one - that's better than expected!