Domestic seat selection now up and running

[serfty]

FWI, a B class fare on a 73H gives me rows 6-11,14-29 skipping the exits and the front two rows.

 

[jamesatfish]

One small issue with this system - the seat map is checked when you click on a flight, but not when the selection is saved.

As part of an AONE4 fare I'm flying on QF704 in June, and as a WP I could select anything in rows 3-5 - rows 1 & 2 were unavailable. I selected 3A from the map but did not save as yet.

In another browser I logged into my wife's account - she's a WP on that same flight with our infant daughter, but booked on a RTW First Award fare (so in Business). I chose 3A for her also.

I first saved my selection, then my wife's, to see what would happen. Lo and behold, we're both sitting in 3A on that flight (and by extension, so is our daughter).

I think this might be a small technical concern...

 

[jamesatfish]

Another data point - using those same two bookings, on BA279 (4-class 747 LHR-LAX) 1A appears as an option for the AONE4 fare, but not for the First Award fare. All other rows in the cabin have the same availability.

 

[JohnK]

FWI, a B class fare on a 73H gives me rows 6-11,14-29 skipping the exits and the front two rows.

Which is exactly the same as any other Platinum.

I still think it would be interesting to know which seats are offered to a K class or higher fare with little or no status. Some people here seem to believe that Altea looks after these passengers but does the domestic seat selection software also look after these passengers.

 

[oz_mark]

Which is exactly the same as any other Platinum.

I still think it would be interesting to know which seats are offered to a K class or higher fare with little or no status. Some people here seem to believe that Altea looks after these passengers but does the domestic seat selection software also look after these passengers.

I would have thought that the seat selection software was a component within Altea.

 

[JohnK]

I would have thought that the seat selection software was a component within Altea.

That is no guarantee that it is going to behave in exactly the same way.

Different programs are written by different people with different style and interpretation of the specification.

 

[tuapekastar]

Where is the A332 lurking on the Syd/Mel runs?? Will have to book it!

QF467 on some random dates in March (and a not so random date in April, that I'm flying it...purely by chance, A/C type never entered into my choice of flight)

 

[tuapekastar]

To the other PS here who can't see seat slection I'd suggest calling qantas.

Well, there are now at least three of us.

Be interested in the response you end up with, and I'll give 'em a bell myself tomorrow and see what they say.

 

[oz_mark]

That is no guarantee that it is going to behave in exactly the same way.

Different programs are written by different people with different style and interpretation of the specification.

My point is that the seat selection software is part of Altea (probably Altea Inventory), not something separate. The rules are setup in a particular way and that is what we can see.

 

[NM]

I was offered any seat row 5 or beyond, except exit rows 13/14, on a 737. That is with my AA EXP number in the booking.

EF (using my QF Gold number) shows rows 4 and 5 bocked. 6AB & EF, 9A & F blocked and exit rows available.

Checked again today via Manage Bookings and was offered 4D so grabbed it.

 

[simongr]

The only 763 depart at 17:05 and 21:05, the 333 at 18:35. Rest are 73H's; both 763 are millennium.

I was on the 17:05

 

[docjames]

As PS/QPPS there is no point mrsdoc or myself pre-selecting.

I had a look last night - all the flights we've booked nothing is selectable in the first 50% of rows of Y. Previous allocations pre-this system have been between 5 and 16 on a 738. Now we can only select about 18+.

Not happy.

 

[serfty]

FAQ's now available:

Domestic Advance Seat Selection - External Distribution - Frequently Asked Questions

Also, Agent's bulletin:

Latest Qantas News - Domestic Advance Seat Selection

 

[YQY]

Where is the A332 lurking on the Syd/Mel runs?? Will have to book it!

I'm usually on the following A332 flight -i'm sure there are more...

SYD-MEL QF467 on Mondays departing at 19:30

 

[serfty]

I find section 6 of the FAQ's of interest:

6. Are there any differences between Domestic and International Advance Seat Selection?

Advance Seat Selection is a new product for domestic bookings. In June 2009, Advance Seat Selection was launched for international bookings. For international flights, Chairmans Lounge, Platinum, Gold and Silver Frequent Flyers with a profile preference for seating are automatically allocated a seat. This auto-allocation process will not occur with Domestic Advance Seat Selection.

Customers need to manually initiate their seat request via Advance Seat Selection (at qantas.com or through their travel agent). For those who do not use Advance Seat Selection, profile preferences will still take effect in the same manner as usual within the departure control system window (-80 hours before flight departure).​

Time to start rechecking at T-80 hours ...

 

[oz_mark]

I find section 6 of the FAQ's of interest:Time to start rechecking at T-80 hours ...

Cool, I just moved myself 10 rows forward (from 15 to 5) for a flight on Sunday morning ...and given the exit rows have moved, seems an aircraft change has happened!

 

[drewbles]

I think the best part I read in that release...

17. Will a customer be able to request an exit row seat?
Exit row seats will not be available for request at qantas.com. Exit row seats may be requested via the GDS systems and any Travel Agent who requests an exit row for a customer will need to ensure the customer is eligible for exit row seating in accordance with current Australian Transport Safety Bureau guidelines. Eligibility will be verified when they check-in at the airport. Any customers deemed non-compliant will be issued with another seat.

As I more often than not book my trips via a TA, it'll be nice to get an exit row requested on the transcon runs.

 

[JohnK]

I find section 6 of the FAQ's of interest:Time to start rechecking at T-80 hours ...

And I was going to keep this find a secret until Qantas published it.

Cool, I just moved myself 10 rows forward (from 15 to 5) for a flight on Sunday morning ...and given the exit rows have moved, seems an aircraft change has happened!

Now how does a Gold pre-allocate themselves a seat in the Platinum section? If I had originally chosen a seat behind the first 2 rows this may mean that Gold or Silver can move into the first 2 rows at T-80 hours. It is almost like OLCI has been changed to T-80 hours before flight but the zones for each status have been removed.

That is just plain dumb and stupid. :evil:

 

[ejb]

....

That is just plain dumb and stupid. :evil:

John,

You didn't expect any better from an "enhancement" to the flying experience, did you.

Allowing seat selection is going to ruin the WP benefits as I would say WP's fly at short notice more than anyone else.

YMMV

ejb

 

[dwwarlow]

Whoo hoo first post, hi all
I have managed to select 1A, 1C, 1D, 1F and the same in row 2 ( not all at the same time of course)