HA either: (1) doesn't want to pay the $$ to allow their systems to do this or (2) doesn't want to mess with random seat assignment changes online (and doesn't want to pay the $$ to make it work properly).
But the bottom line is: outside of ticketing and check-in online, you can't change your seat on the website. Probably for the same reasons why you can't change a flight on the website.
Programs: AA AAdvantage, WN Rapid Rewards, UA Mileage Plus, Choice Privileges, Hilton HHonors
Posts: 239
For some reason, the system didn't give me a seat assignment after booking online, and gave me an error along the lines of "system error, could not assign seats at this time." So my e-ticket now shows N/A for seats. Would I be able to call and get a seat assignment, or do I have to wait for OLCI?
Location: LIH and frequently travel to HNL and LAS
Programs: HA Pualani Gold, UA & AA peon, Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by im_blue
For some reason, the system didn't give me a seat assignment after booking online, and gave me an error along the lines of "system error, could not assign seats at this time." So my e-ticket now shows N/A for seats. Would I be able to call and get a seat assignment, or do I have to wait for OLCI?
I would give them a call...never hurts to try. If they can give you a seat, the reservations agent will do so. What flight are you on? If it is from the mainland on the 767, keep in mind that HA has 3 different seating configurations and thus can only assign seats that are common amongst all 3 configurations as specific aircraft are not tied to a flight until 24hours out. Some 767s have 234Y, others have 241Y and some have 246Y seats which means they can only assign 234Y seats. It may also be that your flight has all the common seats booked so you will have to wait unil OLCI when the non-common seats open up.
If I am not able to choose seats on booking with HA, then I do call. On the PHX-HA run they have a mini-cabin- behind First but seperated from the rest of coach by bathrooms and such. Those seats have less legroom and the temp tends to run at 'frozen tundra'. Mr. P1 is 6'3, so I always try and stay out of it when flying with him.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HA/UA_Flyer
Quote:
Originally Posted by im_blue
For some reason, the system didn't give me a seat assignment after booking online, and gave me an error along the lines of "system error, could not assign seats at this time." So my e-ticket now shows N/A for seats. Would I be able to call and get a seat assignment, or do I have to wait for OLCI?
I would give them a call...never hurts to try. If they can give you a seat, the reservations agent will do so. What flight are you on? If it is from the mainland on the 767, keep in mind that HA has 3 different seating configurations and thus can only assign seats that are common amongst all 3 configurations as specific aircraft are not tied to a flight until 24hours out. Some 767s have 234Y, others have 241Y and some have 246Y seats which means they can only assign 234Y seats. It may also be that your flight has all the common seats booked so you will have to wait unil OLCI when the non-common seats open up.
IIRC, doesn't HA block more than just the common set of seats available on the three aircraft? Something like 70-80% of the flight is available but the rest is under airport control or something like that.
Location: LIH and frequently travel to HNL and LAS
Programs: HA Pualani Gold, UA & AA peon, Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 57
Quote:
Originally Posted by slippahs
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IIRC, doesn't HA block more than just the common set of seats available on the three aircraft? Something like 70-80% of the flight is available but the rest is under airport control or something like that.
Oh yeah, I forgot about the exit rows. They probably have some seats blocked for Premier and the gold/plat elites too, but I am not sure on that one. There's also the wholesalers and travel agents. IIRC, don't the wholesalers and travel agents have to return the blocked seats back to HA after a specific period of time if the seat is not sold by them so that it can be made available on the HA website reservations?
Programs: HH Silver, US Silver, CO Nonepass, AS Non-MVP
Posts: 4,812
Quote:
Originally Posted by HA/UA_Flyer
Oh yeah, I forgot about the exit rows. They probably have some seats blocked for Premier and the gold/plat elites too, but I am not sure on that one. There's also the wholesalers and travel agents. IIRC, don't the wholesalers and travel agents have to return the blocked seats back to HA after a specific period of time if the seat is not sold by them so that it can be made available on the HA website reservations?
You are mixing two different issues. Seats are assigned to passengers who have already paid for their tickets. Some seats are blocked for airport assignment to give the airport agents some flexibility with families, etc.
Travel agents have blocks of RESERVATIONS (not seats). At some point before departure, if the blocked reservations remain unsold, the travel agent must return them to the airline (so that the airline can sell them).
This is my biggest annoyance with HAL. With status on other airlines you can book preferred seating or exit rows online as soon as the reservation is made and readily change anytime a better seat comes open. And with experience you can be pretty assured of getting a seat with comfortable legroom and great bathroom access.
Platinum Status on HAL gives you nothing but miles and early boarding. You still have to sit in a seat with 31 inch pitch next to a Sumo Wrestler and wear 2 blankets to survive the 40 deg F cabin temperature.
