SYD-LAX as WP - should I select seats or just turn up?

[grubbidok]

Hi all, posted this question a month or so ago but no answer so thought I'd have another crack.

I have my first VA-metal long haul experience as WP in December to LAX with a number of DL legs (SEA, PHX, BOS).

I can't see any seat allocation in VA online due to the DL legs but on DL can see availability on VA (and select) but am wondering if I won't get as good a selection as the DL site may not recognise my status. I'd have to call VA to arrange it - and I generally don't like to do that unless I absolutely have to.

What is seat selection/allocation like on these legs for WP? TBH I've never really worried about it before as usually as long as I had an aisle I was happy and therefore just put on a smile to the check-in staff and hope they put me somewhere reasonable. It's usually worked out but thought the prospect of pre-selecting nice seats may be an option as WP.

As SG I always found just leaving it until check-in at the desk was a better way of getting Row 3 than trying online. Am I more likely to get a good seat just by turning up at the desk that day?

Does anyone have any tips for this? Is it worth calling to lock something in? Is there even something worth locking in or should I just leave it until the day?

 

[serfty]

Have you tried seat selection on the VA web site?

I'd try to get a seat now and then maybe change it if something you perceive to be better becomes available.

 

[grubbidok]

Have you tried seat selection on the VA web site?

Tried on the website, but get this message: This booking can only be changed by calling our Guest Contact Centre because it contains Interline flights.

Which only goes to show how much VA still need to sort out as Delta's website (where I have zero status) would let me select them without a problem. So I can't even see what is available to WP.

 

[quick_dry]

I'd just ring the GCC, I've always found the plat desk great to deal with.

edit: oops, misread the post and this being about seat allocations on the DL legs.

 

[knightman7]

From experience, when flying VA to LAX and return, on VA 1 and 2, seat selection is no problem. But, If you want to fly on DL metal, no amount of calling or cajoling of VA call centre has allowed me to choose a seat. Funnily enough, if you ticket through DL and fly VA metal, then seat selection is possible. Weird how it works in one direction but not the other.

 

[grubbidok]

From experience, when flying VA to LAX and return, on VA 1 and 2, seat selection is no problem. But, If you want to fly on DL metal, no amount of calling or cajoling of VA call centre has allowed me to choose a seat. Funnily enough, if you ticket through DL and fly VA metal, then seat selection is possible. Weird how it works in one direction but not the other.

It's even stranger than that. This is a travel agent ticket with interline VA and DL codes. I can select seats on everything - including VA codes on VA metal - on the DL website, and even though my VA flights are in My Bookings there is no capacity to select seats on any of the VA legs.

 

[knightman7]

So, you can choose seats on the DL website even though its a VA booking? That is strange. Will remember that for next time. I had the same a couple of months ago, my TA booked the tickets through VA, and no amount of calling on her part or mine could get a seat allocation for DL metal. Funnily enough, i got allocated 3A when i got to the check in counter which was the seat I wanted anyway.

 

[Simo]

IMHO,

I would ring the call centre sooner rather than later so you can get a better seat selection.

 

[knightman7]

You can't call the call centre to get the seats allocated. VA don't have access to DL seating.

 

[Deewhy]

Suggest you assign via DL, call va and try and get something you want. Then checkin and request if that doesn't work.