Just had an interesting chat with Virgin.

Apparently a random selection of passengers are denied the opportunity to check in online. This unfortunate random group have to check in at the airport for 'security reasons' and is chosen 'completely at random'.

This is particularly inconvinient at the moment as Premium Economy passengers flying on certain flights to LGW are unable to choose their seats prior to check in due to the upgrade of the 747s.

This means you pay extra for Premium Economy and lose the chance to select your seats. All of the winners of the security lottery have free choice of the good seats whilst you have to wait until check in opens.

Has anyone else come across this problem? Is there any reason they can't just assign seats by phone or online when this happens and then leave you to do the formalities of check in at the airport? Any magic way of resolving this?