Thanks, DeltaPurser. (By the way check out the article in the NY Times "Grilled Flight Attendant, Anyone?" April 27, 2004) You are most certainly correct about the ship assignment. Therefore seating assignments may vary according to the particular ship. Now there may be some reasons why you may or may not experience this at other carriers. Fleet optimization is something that all carriers are experimenting with in an attempt to send the right size aircraft to the the right destination at the right time. Doesn't happen too much across the pond - but definitely happens here in the U.S. Furthermore, assigned seats are often times used as a gauge to detect the no show factor on a flight. It is not considered a coustesy by the airline but it is most often appreciated. Less hassle at the gate. Think about it most passengers who are serious about their travel arrangements will be sure to reserve a seat for the flight. [Not always the case]. Usually the more unreserved seats the higher the Authorization level. (just something I've noticed over the years.)