I spoke recently with a friend who was all shook up about not getting the seat she had requested for a tour she was taking to Europe. “I can’t understand why they didn’t honor my request! I wanted to go on Delta, and I’d asked for a seat on the double side, on the aisle and as far forward as possible” Well, it’s nice to ask for the moon, but my friend had higher expectations than the moon…what he wants and what he gets are often very far apart!
Let’s examine the situation: if you purchased your air ticket from the tour company that is arranging your group tour, you should be aware that the tour company has blocks of seats on certain airlines (and not all airlines going to that particular county) and will offer the itinerary with the least price and best schedule. However, these my not be the best consumer prices or the best schedule for you! The tour company will try to accommodate your request generically, that is “window” or “aisle”, and if their allotment is almost filled, you may not get what you request. Also, perhaps you are not aware that the airlines, in their infinite wisdom, have figured out ways to increase their bottom line at the expense of your” bottom”! Coach is no longer just coach…there are “select” coach, “premium” coach, exit row , bulkhead, …and these seats are reserved for certain Frequent Flyer customers. Also, forward seats are often saved for mothers with infants.
The airlines actually charge more for these special seats; they have more legroom (an inch or two, maybe!)
If you wish to buy your ticket directly from the airline and not through the tour company, then you must be savvy and do your research. If you have enough flyer miles to fly there, get on the phone as far in advance as possible…they are mighty hard to get! But work with a tour specialist to make sure that the tour you select is guaranteed to operate before booking your tickets. Also ask if transportation is included once you arrive at your destination or if they can be purchased, what is the charge.
How do you know is your seat is good, bad or horrible! This quest requires certain information and a couple good web sites.
Check out seats by knowing the airline and the type of aircraft…ex: Boeing 757-200, Airbus, etc. You find this out by asking the airline or going on-line as if you were booking the flight yourself. Armed with this information, go to a web-site such as Seat Guru; Seat Maestro; Flyerguide.net; and others easily found by Goggling airline seats.
When you receive your ticket and seating information, check out one of these sites. You will find how much the seat reclines, how close you are to the galley or the “johns”. If you have been awarded the booby prize seat, you might call the airline and ask if there is a better seat, such as (and here you actually give the row and seat number of some you’ve researched!) The airline reservationist may try to help …a good time to call is two or three A.M….really! Don’t be angry or confrontational or tell them your doctor insists that you sit exactly there!!!
If this fails, go to the airport early on departure day, and work your charm and magic at the check-in desk.
There is no secret formula that I know of…polite requests, a warm smile…just might work.
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