Air France Frequence Plus - got my exit row seat robbed

Last week, LAX->CDG; I was able to check in online the day before the departure, reserved a seat at exit row.. I was in a hotel, so I didn't print the boarding pass. When I went to the airport, the counter gave me a different seat. I was surprised that my seat was gone and asked why it happened. The lady coldly dismissed me like I owe her something and there was a guy aside trying to sell me the story that we have to buy the exit row seat, even for elite+ members.

Did this happen to you guys before?

BTW, I wrote a message on the website of AF to complain about the service, and as I expected, they don't care and don't even bother to reply. Long live AF!

Usually, the two main reasons are either a change of aircraft (CDG-LAX does occasionally change between 772 and 77W, it has happened to me on that route) or if it was not an exit row but bulkhead if there are infants who need the bassinet. That's the only thing I can think of. Best,

Michael

Thanks, michael. But neither was the case (I reserved a 35C), a lady in the lounge actually kindly checked the logs and she told me somehow they changed my seat half an hour after my check-in online.

Actually, I was not that bothered by not having exit-row seat for once, what pissed me off is the counter service of AF. Putting them as arrogant would be too kind, I am afraid. And I was not asking for VIP service, but just a four-star airline service that I was paying for.

When I went to the airport, the counter gave me a different seat. I was surprised that my seat was gone and asked why it happened. The lady coldly dismissed me like I owe her something and there was a guy aside trying to sell me the story that we have to buy the exit row seat, even for elite+ members.

Hi myrocq and welcome to the best travel forum on the web ^

Of pure interest; was it an AF employee checking you in or is the check in staff at LAX outsourced?

Thanks, Cupart. I am not sure how to tell whether they are outsource or employees of AF.. I remember they were in AF uniform..

Anyway, moral of my story: print your boarding card after checking-in online, especially if you've reserved an exit-row seat!

Thanks, Cupart. I am not sure how to tell whether they are outsource or employees of AF.. I remember they were in AF uniform..

Anyway, moral of my story: print your boarding card after checking-in online, especially if you've reserved an exit-row seat!

I had a similiar experience not so long ago, anyway, to keep this short,I was told that in any case,your seat reservation is never guaranteed,even after check in.

I was told that in any case,your seat reservation is never guaranteed,even after check in.

That is common with any airline, since an equipment change may happen.

Nevertheless, who would you think AF/KL will choose to sit in the exit row seat :
- the Platinum Elite passenger who has reserved "his" seat for free 2 months ago?
or
- the non Elite passenger willing to pay 50EUR at airport check-in?

That is an open question.

Did you look at the person who got the seat you had booked? Did that person look like someone who would have paid or like an AF employee or friend of? I know I never got an exit row seat. But I have been avoiding AF lately.

I would write, just in case, it looks like you were treated rudely and your seat should have been kept for you. The answer could be interesting...

That is common with any airline, since an equipment change may happen.

Nevertheless, who would you think AF/KL will choose to sit in the exit row seat :
- the Platinum Elite passenger who has reserved "his" seat for free 2 months ago?
or
- the non Elite passenger willing to pay 50EUR at airport check-in?

That is an open question.

I wouldnt be surprised if the 2nd would be the case. However I do hope that is not true. After all the loyal Frequent flyers is who are making them most money in the long run (I guess?).

The same has happened to me, reserved a seat out of LAX to CDG with AF and they don't honour the seat you select. The staff at LAX are really a bunch of criminals, maybe they are doing under the counter deals for friends and employees of AF.

One thing is for sure, avoid flying LAX with AF especially if you are flying economy because they won't care where you sit whether you have elite status or not... Thats my experience I'm afraid, and I think its still true!

I thought Exit row is only free for PEs :confused: In this case the AF agent was right. Now the OLCI system should have charged you 50 EUR in which case your seat would have been guaranteed.