Originally Posted by
jetfan
Tip: check the self service transfer machines at Schiphol Airport - that gives one a fair idea of available seats before departure, much more accurate than Internet Check-in and you can reseat until a certain period (I believe until the flight is closed for check-in).
This works quite well, also at the machines at check-in for those not transfering. OLCI 30 hours before departure and you can still change at the airport until 40 minutes before departure.
I was on KL for the first time in months last week and when I tried this trick, the machine didn't allow me to change - I asked and it was explained that the flight was overbooked. In the end a few seats were available because of the weather so the opup they almost promised didn't materialize. Would have been to ES on a 40 min flight to didn't care too much.