Originally Posted by
ORDnHKG
I don't think they actually block the seats, it is more likely it is already occupied, what they do block out are only seats in Premium Economy, bulkhead and exit rows.
If you had actually checked, you would have seen that NH have blocked the GHJK seats from row 27 to 36 in addition to the PY, bulkhead and EXST.
virmaior: Firstly, I would suggest having a look at the online seatmap between 24-48 hours prior to departure by which time the flight will be handed over to airport control. This may open the remaining seats for assignment.
Failing that, then obviously turning up at the airport early would help. In addition, you could phone the ANA reservations and ask them to add a seating request message to be seated together - the airport staff see these messages when the flight is handed over to the airport and they will then normally do a manual assignment in advance (but not guaranteed).