Seat selection change with aircraft change

[NM]

Mrs. NM and I are off to visit family shortly. We had selected seats 2E and 2F in a E190 J cabin (rows 2 and 3 were offered as available selections in the 9J configuration). When I checked the reservation today I see the seat map has changed to reflect the other E190 configuration (10J). However, Mrs. NM is showing as still in 2F but I have been moved to 3E and 2E is showing as unavailable for me). Given the we are traveling on the same booking, it seems strange that the computer system seems to think its ok to split us up in a cabin where it currently appears we are the only J passengers.

I can only assume that in this different configuration aircraft, where 2E/F are at the bulkhead, I have been moved out of 2E as it is now considered a bassinet seat. But I would have expected to see us both moved into row 3 in that case, to occupy 3E/F.

As T-80 is approaching, I am hoping that I will be able to select myself back into 2E and ensure marital harmony for our weekend getaway to visit our grand-daughter. The seat map implies that 2E/F have decent leg room at the bulkhead row. This will be my first E190 flight, so can only go by the seat map image presented. Its a short flight, so not really too much of a concern, but we would like to sit together in one of the 3 pairs of seats.

 

[jpp42]

This thread may be useful - Seating Availability/Allocation/Configuration Help Desk

 

[NM]

Knowledge is useful. At T-79:59 I was able to move back to 2E and marital harmony should be retained (the priority). Without knowing about T-80, or without verifying the seat selection before check-in, options may not have been available when we checked in. I have learned to set an alarm/reminder for T-80 for all flights.

 

[serfty]

I have learned to set an alarm/reminder for T-80 for all flights.

Thanks to one of our members:

QF T-80 Calculator

 

[NM]

Thanks to one of our members:

QF T-80 Calculator

Very handy and less likely to make a mistake than using my fingers to count backwards, especially if different timezones involved . A must-have and must-use tool for QF flyers.

Will be interesting to see if the return flight changes aircraft seat layout too. Apparently there is only one aircraft with the 9J configuration and 8 or so with the 8J configuration. Both outbound and return were previously showing the 8J config, before the outbound changed to the 9J config.

But the concerning factor is that two two passengers on the same booking were slit into different rows when the configuration change was made. That is not what I would have expected from the computer system. If it determines there is a need for a seting change (fair enough, that can happen and bassinet position should be preserved until T-80), the two passengers should have been moved to suitable adjacent seats if they are available - which they were. Poor programming, in my opinion. And that is why we continually monitor such things as seat assignments and not just assume logic will prevail.

 

[TheInsider]

Will be interesting to see if the return flight changes aircraft seat layout too. Apparently there is only one aircraft with the 9J configuration and 8 or so with the 8J configuration. Both outbound and return were previously showing the 8J config, before the outbound changed to the 9J config.

That's it!

 

[Ade]

I have learned to set an alarm/reminder for T-80 for all flights.

Reads this and sets an alarm for an upcoming T-80

 

[SYD]

Reads this and sets an alarm for an upcoming T-80

I do it all the time! T-3d and 8 hrs is a little easier on the brain.

 

[NM]

I do it all the time! T-3d and 8 hrs is a little easier on the brain.

Indeed, three days and eight fingers to get to the correct time.

 

[Ade]

T-3d and 8 hrs is a little easier on the brain.

You have put this so eloquently I was, in my, finite, ever-diminishing wisdom was struggling to find the right words to explain the exact thing ... instead I went with "Reads this and sets an alarm for an upcoming T-80" #SimpleMinds !!

 

[NM]

And as I sort of expected, I can confirm that the QF computer system is at least consistent. My return flight has changed from a 9J to 10J configuration aircraft and I was moved from 2E to 3E while Mrs NM remains in 2F.

T-79:59 and I am moved back beside Mrs NM and marital harmony will continue.

 

[Ade]

Okie, so my T-80 was just now and I tried to select seat 23A on A330 QF81 but rows 23 and 24 are completely blocked out. I’m QF WP. Do I not get to choose bulkhead seats as part of T-80? #NotHappyJan

 

[eric2011]

Okie, so my T-80 was just now and I tried to select seat 23A on A330 QF81 but rows 23 and 24 are completely blocked out. I’m QF WP. Do I not get to choose bulkhead seats as part of T-80? #NotHappyJan

DTKWYA

 

[Ade]

DTKWYA

Spoke to HBA this morning and they said that bulkhead seats are released on 48 hours prior to departure ... alarm set to 7 am tomorrow

 

[SYD]

Spoke to HBA this morning and they said that bulkhead seats are released on 48 hours prior to departure ... alarm set to 7 am tomorrow

Which config? I managed to get 23k on a QF81 flight but it was the bassinet row. At the time I thought the middle seats were bassinet. Anyway, I had no baby next to me!

Anyway, ExpertFlyer will show if some WP1 or CL PAX has already nabbed those seats.

 

[Ade]

Which config?

A330-300.

I managed to get 23k on a QF81 flight but it was the bassinet row.

Row 23 on A330 is usually the bassinet row. However, the bassinet is usually in the middle 4 seats and not on the 2 wing seats ... Last time I was on QF81, I was able to get 23K with a shadow on 23J ... was trying to secure the same seat (or the 23A/B)

 

[SYD]

A330-300.

Row 23 on A330 is usually the bassinet row. However, the bassinet is usually in the middle 4 seats and not on the 2 wing seats ... Last time I was on QF81, I was able to get 23K with a shadow on 23J ... was trying to secure the same seat (or the 23A/B)

What day are you flying? Looking at EF, front seats are already taken on Wed/Thu this week…

Not sure the 48 hrs comment is correct. I was able to snag mine right on T-80. I’d been looking in EF leading up to then to see if there were any CL/WP1 already there. Post T-80 it’s impossible to tell but there’s the chance that the upgrade gods spirit them away and vacate those seats….

Yes, A333 has bassinets in the middle. A332 are on the sides. My flight swapped a few days out from A330 -> A332 which confused me but it was fine in the end…

 

[Ade]

What day are you flying?

I'm flying on 08/09 Thurs QF81.

Looking at EF, front seats are already taken on Wed/Thu this week…

Awwwww Looks like I'd have to make do with the row 26 on this flight Loved the bulkheads as it's easy to work on a laptop ... The non-bulkhead seats are not comfy for me when using a laptop ... the tray table lands right on my "sign of prosperity" (aka, tummy) lol

Not sure the 48 hrs comment is correct. I was able to snag mine right on T-80.

I agree. when I was on QF81 in Aug this year, I was able to snag 23K 3 days before my travel date ... but I spoke to HBA today and if history is anything to go by, those at HBA & AKL know what they are doing/saying ... I have set a reminder for T-48 to see if I can get row 23

 

[SYD]

This should match what you can see now. If I can’t get bulkhead travelling solo I’m never quite sure what’s tactically next best. A forward aisle in the middle with a solo person on the other aisle is an option.

 

[Ade]

This should match what you can see now. If I can’t get bulkhead travelling solo I’m never quite sure what’s tactically next best. A forward aisle in the middle with a solo person on the other aisle is an option.
View attachment 291641

Thank you for the map, @SYD , I just snagged 24B. Hopefully, no one selects 24A (or, in other words, the ever mysterious WP shadow sticks)

If I can’t get bulkhead travelling solo I’m never quite sure what’s tactically next best.

Agree. In terms of "space", it is either the bulkheads or the exit rows. Given that I have an onward connection less than 2 hours in SIN, I'd stick to the forward bulkhead so that I can sprint out of the plane quickly, should there be a delay (seems inevitable with QF these days).