On a recent BA flight from the US, I was traveling with 2 friends who at the last minute managed to get exit row seats. We drew straws and I lost getting seat xxC. However, the flight was only 95% full and nobody say in A or B. I had the whole row to myself and had a very enjoyable (for Y) experience.

I have another longhaul Y trip coming up shortly. LHR-SIN. I believe a 747 is used and the armrests do go up. What would be the best method for securing 3 seats together with nobody else in them, assuming there is not a full load. I am reluctanct to go for the 4 middle seats since someone may try and take two of the seats at one side. I have *G if that help at all.

Who had authority to block off seats like this? Am I best to try to sort this out early or see if I can change at the gate? I know its an odd Question, but I'm sure someone has done it before.