Reserve Seats for 4th of July International Flight?
May 18, 2017, 9:17 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 4
Reserve Seats for 4th of July International Flight?
Dear All:
My wife and I (+baby) are booked on UA952 from Chicago to Munich on 4th of July. Only a few middle seats are available to reserve for free, but many premium seats for $150pp. Given that 4th of July is a busy travel day for domestic travel, is it equally busy for international travel?
At this point, I'm planning to not reserve any seats and plan to get seats assigned at the airport. But I'm afraid if I don't reserve seats in advance that we're getting bumped off the flight if it is full. Any advice on whether this international flight on 4th of July is typically full?
Thanks!
My wife and I (+baby) are booked on UA952 from Chicago to Munich on 4th of July. Only a few middle seats are available to reserve for free, but many premium seats for $150pp. Given that 4th of July is a busy travel day for domestic travel, is it equally busy for international travel?
At this point, I'm planning to not reserve any seats and plan to get seats assigned at the airport. But I'm afraid if I don't reserve seats in advance that we're getting bumped off the flight if it is full. Any advice on whether this international flight on 4th of July is typically full?
Thanks!
Last edited by enfinity; May 18, 2017 at 9:20 am Reason: More info
May 18, 2017, 9:28 am
#2
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July 4 is a light travel day. You're likely safe on the IDB front, though the strategy obviously has other risks.
[Edited by Moderator after quoted member self-deleted post.]
[Edited by Moderator after quoted member self-deleted post.]
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; May 18, 2017 at 10:02 am Reason: See note above.
May 18, 2017, 9:53 am
#5
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They all relate to being separated and/or getting really crappy seats, so if you're already in that boat perhaps not so much to lose.
May 18, 2017, 10:04 am
#7
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I personally wouldn't follow the "wait until the gate" strategy, but it is a valid one that others have used.
May 18, 2017, 10:38 am
#8
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Do you have three seats or 2+lap infant?
There are three blocked seats together in 35ABC. You could call and ask nicely if the agent could place your family there together there. They might turn you down as 46DEG are open.
If you do wait until the gate, do show up early and talk to the agent about seating your family together before they get swamped with other things.
ETA: Seat map from EF:
There are three blocked seats together in 35ABC. You could call and ask nicely if the agent could place your family there together there. They might turn you down as 46DEG are open.
If you do wait until the gate, do show up early and talk to the agent about seating your family together before they get swamped with other things.
ETA: Seat map from EF:
Last edited by rustykettel; May 18, 2017 at 10:47 am
May 18, 2017, 11:23 am
#9
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From the seat map posted above, it appears to be a relatively empty flight with very few elites - Economy plus is almost totally open. So IDB highly unlikely . . . you can gamble that you might end up in E+ for free, or as others note, look at 24 hours out to see if seats open. Or try a call.
May 18, 2017, 11:55 am
#11
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From the seat map posted above, it appears to be a relatively empty flight with very few elites - Economy plus is almost totally open. So IDB highly unlikely . . . you can gamble that you might end up in E+ for free, or as others note, look at 24 hours out to see if seats open. Or try a call.
In addition, there is something to be said for the "privacy" you will have in row 46 plus less disturbance of other passengers from the infant.
May 18, 2017, 12:41 pm
#12
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May 18, 2017, 1:16 pm
#13
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Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 4
Thanks for the great advice everyone! Really didn't expect so much great feedback--way to go!
We have 2 seats (lap infant). What's the name of this website/tool where you can see the blocked seats? Would you just call the UA customer service and ask for them to reserve us seats in row 35?
I was thinking of reserving seats in row 46, but then I thought once I make a move and reserve some seats, I won't be considered for better seats. But I guess I can reserve and see if something better comes up.
I was thinking of reserving seats in row 46, but then I thought once I make a move and reserve some seats, I won't be considered for better seats. But I guess I can reserve and see if something better comes up.
May 18, 2017, 1:32 pm
#14
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You can ask, but I think your case for being seated there is pretty weak. They are blocked for special accommodation, but just being a couple with a lap infant when there are already 2 seats together elsewhere on the plane is not a strong case.
May 18, 2017, 4:00 pm
#15
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So while it might be worth to play the E+ lottery in hope of getting E+, there can be consequences for doing so.