Seat Blocking for Gold in Economy
Nov 11, 2014, 3:03 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: VIE
Programs: QR Gold, TK Gold
Posts: 148
Seat Blocking for Gold in Economy
I've got my first flight upcoming being EY Gold and 3 days prior to departure the seat next to me suddenly shows up as being blocked on expertflyer...
Does EY block adjacent seats in economy for Golds as LH does for their SENs?
Does EY block adjacent seats in economy for Golds as LH does for their SENs?
Nov 11, 2014, 11:38 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 341
Sadly sometimes these blocked seats get assigned in the airport during check-in
Nov 13, 2014, 1:18 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: Etihad Platinum. Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 333
In theory, the blocking of seats works but in reality, based on my experiences, it doesn't. On a couple of AUH MCT flights, I had someone sitting next to me even when there were a few empty seats elsewhere on the plane. I mentioned my Gold Elite status to the stewardess but she was clueless. She had no idea about the policy. Luckily, it was only a short flight so I decided to grin and bear it. I guess it all depends on the crew members.
Mar 9, 2017, 12:48 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: QF Plat, VA Plat, BA Gold
Posts: 528
When asking whether the seat next to mine can be blocked at check in/lounge, I always get "We can try, but it's no guarantee".
However, I've had a seat next to me free on my last 10? flights on 50-80% full flights, and received Op-UP on 2/2 oversold flights in Y. YMMV of course.
However, I've had a seat next to me free on my last 10? flights on 50-80% full flights, and received Op-UP on 2/2 oversold flights in Y. YMMV of course.
Mar 9, 2017, 9:18 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: FRA
Programs: EY Guest Platinum; A3 Gold; Delta Platinum, BA Silver, IHG Gold
Posts: 484
I just don't get why they do not keep it as a benefit to their frequent flyer. It costs nothing and does increase customer satisfaction!
I have been quite lucky with upgrades recently. Got 6/8 upgrades all to and from Frankfurt to Bangkok and back.
Mar 10, 2017, 1:40 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: QF Plat, VA Plat, BA Gold
Posts: 528
We managed to get a row of 3 each (Row 77 and 78) on board.
So I guess they do try, but I don't know if they can actually block of seats - rather, try their best not to have have them assigned.
Mar 10, 2017, 1:40 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Cleveland, OH, USA
Programs: Etihad Platinum, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 45
Mar 10, 2017, 11:37 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: FRA
Programs: EY Guest Platinum; A3 Gold; Delta Platinum, BA Silver, IHG Gold
Posts: 484
i have the feeling that planes with a first class (a333&789) will upgrade more as the economy class is smaller compared to others.
Mar 11, 2017, 12:03 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: Etihad Gold
Posts: 62
My experience is that you need to ask at check-in or in the lounge, sooner rather than later. On one occasion I was greeted by a crew member on board and offered a free row further to the front.
My upgrade ratio is around 6/14 for the last year, one of which was Y to F.
My upgrade ratio is around 6/14 for the last year, one of which was Y to F.