J seat map full, yet tickets for sale
#16
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
Programs: AAdvantage Former EXP/Current PLT / Total Rewards - Diamond / Hilton HHonors - Gold
Posts: 757
Interestingly enough I booked a last minute first ticket this past weekend (4 hours prior to departure) and was in the same situation where there were no seats to be assigned. When I checked in at the Admirals Club the agent noticed I didn't have a seat, and I told him I would check back prior to departing, but he mentioned there was a software bug right now that reserved some first seats when they shouldn't have been reserved and was quickly able to get me a seat. So perhaps this is also a reason.
I had a situation once where I missed a connection at ORD due to weather delays, got booked on the next flight at the AC (She said she was overbooking it for me), got to the gate just as they were booting a passenger who was traveling in a group to make room for me, because they had asked for volunteers while I was on my way to the gate and didn't get any. So, I volunteered, got moved to the next flight, and the next flight ended up leaving before the flight I volunteered on due to more rolling delays. Everyone was happy. I got home. Guy got on flight with his friends/family, I got a voucher, and the next day, AA e-mailed me a 10k mile customer service gesture apologizing for the delays.
#17
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SLC
Programs: DL PM, Hilton/Marriott Gold
Posts: 971
Interestingly enough I booked a last minute first ticket this past weekend (4 hours prior to departure) and was in the same situation where there were no seats to be assigned. When I checked in at the Admirals Club the agent noticed I didn't have a seat, and I told him I would check back prior to departing, but he mentioned there was a software bug right now that reserved some first seats when they shouldn't have been reserved and was quickly able to get me a seat. So perhaps this is also a reason.
I'd imagine the departure control system has a much more realistic view of available seats than the website, which has to balance real-time accuracy of inventory against the practical limitations of the booking process by holding back tickets & seats temporarily so 3 people can't simultaneously buy the last seat.
#18
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,329
I booked a flight for later this week using AS miles that includes a domestic business class (a319) segment on AA. I am unable to select a seat and it says they will be assigned at the airport. The seat map shows all seats as unavailable on AA and as occupied on Expert Flyer, yet Expert Flyer still says J1. AA is still selling 1 ticket so that matches the J1 on Expert Flyer. Any thoughts on if this is a potential overbooking situation or perhaps something else?
#19
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,879
I booked a flight for later this week using AS miles that includes a domestic business class (a319) segment on AA. I am unable to select a seat and it says they will be assigned at the airport. The seat map shows all seats as unavailable on AA and as occupied on Expert Flyer, yet Expert Flyer still says J1. AA is still selling 1 ticket so that matches the J1 on Expert Flyer. Any thoughts on if this is a potential overbooking situation or perhaps something else?
#20
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Reno, NV
Programs: NFY, AA EXP, Marriott TE
Posts: 516
The most likely situation is that seats are blocked for some reason (blocked seats don't always show up as blocked on EF). It is possible that AA is overselling J, but it's extremely unlikely in my opinion that they would offer a partner mileage award on a sold-out cabin.
All the best, James
#21
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,879
My guess is that EF's integration with some airlines doesn't allow them to differentiate between blocked and occupied.
#22
Left Expert Flyer 4/23
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,741
According to ExpertFlyer's FAQ: "Sometimes seats are blocked for airport assignment at the day of the flight. On our map they will show as occupied when it's really just held for the gate agent."
My guess is that EF's integration with some airlines doesn't allow them to differentiate between blocked and occupied.
My guess is that EF's integration with some airlines doesn't allow them to differentiate between blocked and occupied.
#23
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,329
Quick follow-up on my situation. I checked this morning and was able to select a seat (5 of 8 were available to pick from) and at the time EF still showed J1. EF now shoes J0 and AA is no longer selling the J cabin. I assume J is now full but some people simply haven't picked seats because they saw the same thing I did and weren't able to? Not sure...