Originally Posted by
mtkeller
DL could easily shuffle around some other non-elites (there was just a schedule change, so people were moved around anyway) to get the families together.
I don't think anyone should be moved intentionally. I think we all agree that it is preferable to not split families, especially when such a split would cause small children to be seated next to non-family. However, if you are a parent and you want to make sure you family is seated together, you can:
1) Select seats at time of booking, and pick seats in the back of the plane. Since most leisure travel is booked several months in advance, there are almost always multiple sets of seats available. A search of the first 5 flights to pop up on Delta.com for ATL-MCO the first Friday in August shows between 8 and 20 open rows of three. Every 757 has a Row 40, so pick this row and you are unlikely to be moved.
2) Purchase EC at time of booking.
3) If seats are not available at booking, or if there is an equip. swap, keep checking.
4) At T-24, check in on-line and purchase premium seats if need be.
5) Arrive at the airport early, get to the gate when the GA opens the flight and ask for re-seating. There are always seats held back for just such situations.
6) As a last resort, board the aircraft and ask an FA to assist.
Following these steps will get a family together (or at least in pairs) 99% of the time. What should not be ok is:
1) Taking what the computer spits out at booking.
2) Checking the seating map only if there is a schedule change email.
3) Complaining when a CSR can't change seats by phone.
4) Banking on the kindness of others to make your seating work out just perfectly.