Emirates (EK) Exit Row: First-come, First-serve or for your mates

[legroom]

EK may not pre-allocate the exit rows ahead of time via reservations but generally speaking the airport staff for most airlines would be able to pre-allocate seats about 48 hours prior to departure when the pax names cutover from reservations. It's really up to the discretion of the local airport staff. Maybe there was a request in the diary that a sporting group wanted them so they may have been pre-allocated the day prior by an airport checkin supervisor.

Oz

The most sensible explanation I yet to come across.

We are all guessing here, really.

It just intrigued me that 12 'prime' seats just instantly disappeared at the same time 52 hrs before departure.

A lot of posters keep mistaking my intrigue as my expression of a right to an exit row seat - which is not true at all.

A level playing field with rules, that's all I am after.

EK rules - that is. Not mine

Please - again - do not flame me as it is in the public interests that I raised this issue for AFF's attention / debate.

 

[mannej]

Don't take this as a flame, but the title suggests entitlement, and the comments early on regarding canceling a F booking because of this issue further emphasise the entitlement perception.

However thinking about it, it does seem to be an airport allocation as suggested by Oz, without knowing the whole story, it is hard to see if the allocations will stick or not.

 

[legroom]

Don't take this as a flame, but the title suggests entitlement, and the comments early on regarding canceling a F booking because of this issue further emphasise the entitlement perception.

However thinking about it, it does seem to be an airport allocation as suggested by Oz, without knowing the whole story, it is hard to see if the allocations will stick or not.

Mannej

Thanks for your thoughts

It could be construed that way but it is not correct, sorry.

The truth is I dislike unethical business practices, in any shape or form.

If someone pledges one thing but delivers another thing, that's a broken promise.

If you scan FT, there are plenty of angst there with EK downgrading F pax to J - without compensation / apology whatsoever.

Reading those posts and seeing these exit row seats disappeared - apparently so in breach of their own words - made me angry, rather than feeling anything else at EK's business practices.


*****

There are plenty of quality F providers out there.

I created a thread here on AFF on the issue of SQ vs EK F for that purpose.

In that thread, I stated that I wish to 'sample' EK F for the first time.

****

So, I am under no obligation to sample something that I feel is not delivering on other fronts which then brings with its an implication that it may not deliver on the F front.

No, I am not demanding an exit row seat for myself.

But an even playing field for Joe the public - as per EK's own rules - where an early airport check in gives you (i.e. Joe the punter) a chance, I repeat a chance, to request an exit row seat.

Apparently, that's too much for some here on AFF.

 

[benlight]

I just quickly did some seat map searches on ExpertFlyer of various EK A380 flights departing from Australia over the next few days. I also checked a bunch of other flights to and from DXB. From what I can see, nearly all ex-DXB flights are adhering to a "exit row seats allocated at check-in" policy, but the results are decidedly more mixed from other destinations -- flights from SYD, MEL, LHR, JFK, ICN have exit row seats already allocated 24 or 48 hours before departure. EK407 MEL-DXB even has all exit row seats allocated 72 hours before.

I don't begrudge legroom for trying to find out what the policy is for ex-SYD and ex-MEL departures, because it does appear to be inconsistent with the policy ex-DXB. I'm not sure if it's a case of local airport staff giving these seats to their "mates", though, because the issue seems to be a bit too widespread for that. Unwritten rule, perhaps? Or up the discretion of local airport staff once they get control? Whatever the reason, it would be useful to AFF to have some clarification.

//

EK413 SYD-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12 exit row seats occupied
EK413 SYD-DXB 23/04/13 - 6/12
EK413 SYD-DXB 24/04/13 - 0/12
EK413 SYD-DXB 25/04/13 - 0/12
EK407 MEL-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK407 MEL-DXB 23/04/13 - 12/12
EK407 MEL-DXB 24/04/13 - 12/12
EK407 MEL-DXB 25/04/13 - 0/12
EK412 SYD-AKL 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK406 MEL-AKL 23/04/13 - 0/12

EK412 DXB-SYD 22/04/13 - 0/12
EK412 DXB-SYD 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK406 DXB-MEL 22/04/13 - 1/12
EK406 DXB-MEL 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK007 DXB-LHR 22/04/13 - 0/12
EK007 DXB-LHR 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK001 DXB-LHR 22/04/13 - 1/12
EK001 DXB-LHR 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK073 DXB-CDG 22/04/13 - 0/12
EK073 DXB-CDG 23/04/13 - 0/12

EK002 LHR-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK002 LHR-DXB 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK204 JFK-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK204 JFK-DXB 23/04/13 - 10/12
EK204 JFK-DXB 24/04/13 - 0/12
EK204 JFK-DXB 25/04/13 - 0/12
EK323 ICN-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK323 ICN-DXB 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK319 NRT-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK319 NRT-DXB 23/04/13 - 0/12

 

[markis10]

Perhaps we had not been aware of Markis10's dictum: airlines can do what they like regardless of their promises.
.

Dictim or real world fact?? BTW enjoying the verbose answers given though their tangents are somewhat OT .

You can hardy expect an even playing field with any airline, let alone one that is middle eastern based where networks rule.

 

[legroom]

I just quickly did some seat map searches on ExpertFlyer of various EK A380 flights departing from Australia over the next few days. I also checked a bunch of other flights to and from DXB. From what I can see, nearly all ex-DXB flights are adhering to a "exit row seats allocated at check-in" policy, but the results are decidedly more mixed from other destinations -- flights from SYD, MEL, LHR, JFK, ICN have exit row seats already allocated 24 or 48 hours before departure. EK407 MEL-DXB even has all exit row seats allocated 72 hours before.

I don't begrudge legroom for trying to find out what the policy is for ex-SYD and ex-MEL departures, because it does appear to be inconsistent with the policy ex-DXB. I'm not sure if it's a case of local airport staff giving these seats to their "mates", though, because the issue seems to be a bit too widespread for that. Unwritten rule, perhaps? Or up the discretion of local airport staff once they get control? Whatever the reason, it would be useful to AFF to have some clarification.

//

EK413 SYD-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12 exit row seats occupied
EK413 SYD-DXB 23/04/13 - 6/12
EK413 SYD-DXB 24/04/13 - 0/12
EK413 SYD-DXB 25/04/13 - 0/12
EK407 MEL-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK407 MEL-DXB 23/04/13 - 12/12
EK407 MEL-DXB 24/04/13 - 12/12
EK407 MEL-DXB 25/04/13 - 0/12
EK412 SYD-AKL 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK406 MEL-AKL 23/04/13 - 0/12

EK412 DXB-SYD 22/04/13 - 0/12
EK412 DXB-SYD 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK406 DXB-MEL 22/04/13 - 1/12
EK406 DXB-MEL 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK007 DXB-LHR 22/04/13 - 0/12
EK007 DXB-LHR 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK001 DXB-LHR 22/04/13 - 1/12
EK001 DXB-LHR 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK073 DXB-CDG 22/04/13 - 0/12
EK073 DXB-CDG 23/04/13 - 0/12

EK002 LHR-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK002 LHR-DXB 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK204 JFK-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK204 JFK-DXB 23/04/13 - 10/12
EK204 JFK-DXB 24/04/13 - 0/12
EK204 JFK-DXB 25/04/13 - 0/12
EK323 ICN-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK323 ICN-DXB 23/04/13 - 0/12
EK319 NRT-DXB 22/04/13 - 12/12
EK319 NRT-DXB 23/04/13 - 0/12

Benlight

You hit the nail on the head !

The question is WHY ?, WHAT'S happening ?

I am so glad that everyone (incl. my respected advisor - Markis10) now understood that this thread is not about me / my 'right' as such.

I am in J tonight, and next EK ticket is in F so clearly, it does not affect me personally.

But Joe the public punter would be shafted if he believes in what he reads off EK's published policy.

Our national airline got into bed with EK, it is only proper that we should scrutinise them more than others, say EY or MH.

As to whether we should 'accept' this (at best) shoddy / (at worst) corrupt business practice, it is an appropriate topic for further debate.

Yes, Markis10, my wife tells me I could be verbose at times. You are not wrong there, buddy!

But not prolix, I hope.

 

[legroom]

Hi AFFers,

Good news at last!

Despite being 'allocated' on both EF and EK call centre screen, you could still request an exit row seat at the airport.

We are here 4 hrs before boarding so it helps.

Mystery solved !

It means once under airport control, exit row seats would appear as 'allocated'.

Joe the public punter could still have hope.

Why didn't EK call centre know about this?

(From EK lounge)

 

[markis10]

Hi AFFers,

Good news at last!

Despite being 'allocated' on both EF and EK call centre screen, you could still request an exit row seat at the airport.

We are here 4 hrs before boarding so it helps.

Mystery solved !

It means once under airport control, exit row seats would appear as 'allocated'.

Joe the public punter could still have hope.

Why didn't EK call centre know about this?

(From EK lounge)

Despite being in J tonight as posted earlier you have taken it on yourself to do research, well done .

 

[stewiejp]

Good to hear - how's the better half handle sitting up the back?

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Hi AFFers,

Good news at last!

Despite being 'allocated' on both EF and EK call centre screen, you could still request an exit row seat at the airport.

We are here 4 hrs before boarding so it helps.

Mystery solved !

It means once under airport control, exit row seats would appear as 'allocated'.

Joe the public punter could still have hope.

Why didn't EK call centre know about this?

(From EK lounge)

That doesn't surprise me as most airline reservations people only have access to the res system - not the checkin system used. I'm sure the majority of res people also have never worked at an airport so a lot of the time they're just guessing.

I've said previously it's a bit like ringing the ANZ Bank and asking about what fees Westpac charge.

 

[clifford]

Hi AFFers,

Despite being 'allocated' on both EF and EK call centre screen, you could still request an exit row seat at the airport.

We are here 4 hrs before boarding so it helps.

Mystery solved !

It means once under airport control, exit row seats would appear as 'allocated'.

Joe the public punter could still have hope.

Why didn't EK call centre know about this?

(From EK lounge)

If you are flying J class why are you interested in a exit row?

Exit row seats are ALWAYS shown as occupied on seat maps. No matter when, no matter where.

You have to deal with a human to get an exit row seat. They tend to look after me a little bit though, as I am EK Gold until end 2014 and have been for several years.

 

[legroom]

That doesn't surprise me as most airline reservations people only have access to the res system - not the checkin system used. I'm sure the majority of res people also have never worked at an airport so a lot of the time they're just guessing.

I've said previously it's a bit like ringing the ANZ Bank and asking about what fees Westpac charge.

Oz

It was a surprise to Joe the public (incl. me!).

Clifford

All had been explained earlier upthread.

 

[ORVILLE'S DAD]

Shouldn't be a surprise - it's a storm in a teacup.

Here's the way it works....

If you want to sit in an Exit Row seat, you have to agree with the Flight Attendants that you have responsibilities in the case of an emergency - i.e. open the heavy door when instructed, in some aircraft you have to pull the door in and then toss it out of the aircraft etc.

That could mean moving quite a weight, so many airlines are cautious about who sits in the Exit Row - big burly guys are fine - petite schoolgirls or small, wimpy guys are not.

So how can you achieve this from an online booking system? Well, the simple answer is you can't as they are much too discrete to ask PAX to check whether they are big and butch, or small and wimpy.

So, you'll find many airlines block off the exit rows from online reservation - at 52 hours, 48 hours or whatever - they cannot be booked online. They are only allocated at check in using the Mark One eyeball - the check in person sizes you up and decides whether you physically could handle the door in an emergency, or not.

So Emirates weren't having a go at you - just being safety conscious.

OD.

So am I!

Very interested to find out how not one, but all, exit row seats suddenly became 'allocated' at the same time - and at 52 hrs before departure.

This would be, like many of us here in Oz, my first EK experience.

And, please don't flame me for 'not getting the seat I want'.

That would be missing the point completely.

Their policy is in the open, so a gross deviation like this deserves some scrutiny from an ordinary punter.

It might be - just - that 'allocation' means airport control until it is given to pax at check in.

Could that be an explanation ?

I hope so for Joe the average guy.

 

[BoyZeus]

1. Reservations do not have access to the seat maps. Ozbeachbabe is correct. They (res / customer service) can only add an OSI to annotate that a request for a specific seat has been made.
2. Most carriers undertake flight editing for each service between 24 to 72 hours prior to departure. Any unauthorised seat allocations are just thrown out and the re assignment process begins again. You'd be surprised at how many ground staff who have nothing to do with the flight planning, yet still have access to the check in system, go in and seat assign friends etc.

 

[legroom]

....You'd be surprised at how many ground staff who have nothing to do with the flight planning, yet still have access to the check in system, go in and seat assign friends etc.

Thank you Boyzeus and Orville's Dad.

Together with Ozbeachbabe, you guys had clarified what seemed to be a mystery to me (and a few others) on AFF.

Boyzeus' second observation was at the back of my (knowledge-free) mind when I opened the thread.

Glad it was not completely ungrounded paranoia but does have some (minor) truth to it.

True, it was a storm in a teacup ..... once you know how the system works.

It had looked different 'in the dark' though before all the facts come through.

Thanks AFFers - again.

 

[pshepvic]

The comments about airlines always blocking exit seats are simply not true though. Maybe for EK, but certainly not for QF, VA or JQ. All three of those allow pre-selection of exits (at a cost, except for elite members in QF's case, or bundle customers for JQ). Yes someone at the airport still has to sight you to print the BP/allow boarding, but the seats certainly are not blocked for airport check in only.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

The comments about airlines always blocking exit seats are simply not true though. Maybe for EK, but certainly not for QF, VA or JQ. All three of those allow pre-selection of exits (at a cost, except for elite members in QF's case, or bundle customers for JQ). Yes someone at the airport still has to sight you to print the BP/allow boarding, but the seats certainly are not blocked for airport check in only.

On QF international flights you will find some exit row seats already pre-allocated prior to date of travel when pax have elected to pay for them however the remainder will definitely be blocked off for airport use same as the bassinet rows that haven't already been pre-allocated at approx T-80.

Each flight will have a staff member in the passenger control unit (PCU) allocated to that flight to oversee seating issues etc. Checkin staff can view this persons name and extension number in case they need to call them to request a seat be unblocked in the bulkhead/bassinet row, exit row or to maybe get 2 pax together that were not TCP'd.

 

[pshepvic]

That's my point though - they don't block ALL exit seats - people have the opportunity to select ahead of time. Once it gets to a certain point (T-80?) is where they hand over to airport control isn't it? That's where all remaining exits are blocked. Mind you for domestic I'm pretty sure all exit seats are still available online at that point based on what I've seen on EF.

JQ sell all seats in advance if they can.

 

[Aus ATC]

A slightly related question. Mrs and Miss Aus ATC are travelling on EK on Saturday. Quite a few months ago I preselected bulkhead row 23 DE for them. Any thoughts on them "sticking" for the flight, or might they be bumped by a WP or similar? In our favour, they will be checking in early as they have a connecting flight 14 hours prior (assuming they will get all the boarding passes from QF at initial check-in).

 

[ozbeachbabe]

A slightly related question. Mrs and Miss Aus ATC are travelling on EK on Saturday. Quite a few months ago I preselected bulkhead row 23 DE for them. Any thoughts on them "sticking" for the flight, or might they be bumped by a WP or similar? In our favour, they will be checking in early as they have a connecting flight 14 hours prior (assuming they will get all the boarding passes from QF at initial check-in).

Is 23DE on whatever a/c they are on a regular bulkhead row or an exit row bulkhead? More importantly if it is an exit does she meet the minimum age requirements to sit there?