Originally Posted by
BD1959
So, I suppose the most relevant question is: if you can't get exit Y, do like QF's Y+ and don't want to pay for J - what will you do? What do you do now - do you check availability before you purchase a Y fare?
(Not having a go, am genuinely interested as to what you'd consider from here...)
I have never had any recent situation of not being able to get an exit row seat on QF long haul when I requested it (I'm a WP), so I can't comment on what I have done.
However, this is what I would do once the new system is introduced and if I do decide to fly Qantas long haul (which is doubtful considering that I am rather annoyed about the Platinum benefit erosion - I've voted with my feet from SIA due to unsatisfactory customer services, and I'd also do so with Qantas if I am unhappy about something substantial enough, which is the case for me with this situation):
1. I'd check the exit row seat availability where possible before booking.
2. If available, I'd book the ticket right away and pay whatever to get the exit row.
3. If not available, I'd book another carrier (perhaps BA), probably premium economy or J, unless BA WT exit row is available, in which case I'll take that, if I am feeling like travelling in Y.
4. If I cannot establish the exit row seat availability, then I would do 3.