Have BA improved their seating algorithm ?
Jul 15, 2016, 3:32 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Balham - Gateway to The South
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 2,020
Have BA improved their seating algorithm ?
I have some bookings that have recently had equipment changes and one cancellation.
The cancellation was auto rebooked, the aircraft the same AND I had the same seat <exit row>.
The equipment changes are for upcoming flights, both from 52J to 86J 747s, on one I kept the same seat as did my mother (2A/K) and the other MrD and myself went from 12J/K to 34A/B, all in all a result.
In previous years we have been separated by aisles, middle seated and back rowed.
I just wonder if the algorithm used has been improved, or if it is having some (albeit minor) status that changed the outcome ?
The cancellation was auto rebooked, the aircraft the same AND I had the same seat <exit row>.
The equipment changes are for upcoming flights, both from 52J to 86J 747s, on one I kept the same seat as did my mother (2A/K) and the other MrD and myself went from 12J/K to 34A/B, all in all a result.
In previous years we have been separated by aisles, middle seated and back rowed.
I just wonder if the algorithm used has been improved, or if it is having some (albeit minor) status that changed the outcome ?
Jul 15, 2016, 3:35 am
#2
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,774
Theoretical Seating on FLY is supposed to be the new feature that assists here. Previous discussions here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...-cw-seats.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...ked-seats.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26811659-post300.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...-cw-seats.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...ked-seats.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26811659-post300.html
Jul 15, 2016, 3:44 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: LHR
Programs: HH D,CC,SPG,AZ: Gold;BA Silver, TK Elite
Posts: 809
Theoretical seating is much better at keeping links and seat characteristics than the previous system, especially when reaccommodations occur following config and equipment changes.
FYI, FLY is just an interface connecting to Altea via web services, so the algorithm behind is from Amadeus
FYI, FLY is just an interface connecting to Altea via web services, so the algorithm behind is from Amadeus
Jul 15, 2016, 8:41 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,927
I just booked TATL CW for two of us next March to take advantage of the sale and the AARP discount while they lasted. I chose seats together in the almost empty cabins during purchase. At the end BA.com informed me that the seats I chose were not available and moved us to well separated individual seats. I was able to move back to the seats that I originally chose but, unless the system knows something about my wife's preference that I don't, this seemed a bit weird.
Jul 15, 2016, 1:42 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LHR, LGW
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,425
Sadly there was no improvement that I have witnessed recently.
On an ET flight from LGW. FLY decided I should be moved from 6A to 21A. Pretty disappointed with this outcome. This was a checked baggage fare and our seats were selected at time of booking. According to the check in agent, there was a change of aircraft and the new FLY system randomly selects new seating for everyone. So apparently Silver gets you the last rows in the cabin...! :/ Could there be 20 rows of GCH before us?!!
Any expert advice on why this might have happened?
On an ET flight from LGW. FLY decided I should be moved from 6A to 21A. Pretty disappointed with this outcome. This was a checked baggage fare and our seats were selected at time of booking. According to the check in agent, there was a change of aircraft and the new FLY system randomly selects new seating for everyone. So apparently Silver gets you the last rows in the cabin...! :/ Could there be 20 rows of GCH before us?!!
Any expert advice on why this might have happened?
Jul 15, 2016, 1:59 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 935
Sadly there was no improvement that I have witnessed recently.
On an ET flight from LGW. FLY decided I should be moved from 6A to 21A. Pretty disappointed with this outcome. This was a checked baggage fare and our seats were selected at time of booking. According to the check in agent, there was a change of aircraft and the new FLY system randomly selects new seating for everyone. So apparently Silver gets you the last rows in the cabin...! :/ Could there be 20 rows of GCH before us?!!
Any expert advice on why this might have happened?
On an ET flight from LGW. FLY decided I should be moved from 6A to 21A. Pretty disappointed with this outcome. This was a checked baggage fare and our seats were selected at time of booking. According to the check in agent, there was a change of aircraft and the new FLY system randomly selects new seating for everyone. So apparently Silver gets you the last rows in the cabin...! :/ Could there be 20 rows of GCH before us?!!
Any expert advice on why this might have happened?
Jul 15, 2016, 2:53 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LON, ACK, BOS..... (Not necessarily in that order)
Programs: **Mucci Diamond Hairbrush** - compared to that nothing else matters (+BA Bronze)
Posts: 15,125
Jul 15, 2016, 9:06 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Manchester
Programs: BA GfL, Marriott TfL, Hertz 5*
Posts: 267
Btw at this hotel they have a system that spews chilled water vapour over your pool-side sunbed - it works - you can sit unshaded catching lots of UV at 110 DegF !!
Jul 16, 2016, 2:10 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
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Posts: 17,907
Hi,
On the BA 1461 flight EDI-LHR tomorrow ( first leg of the flights to HNL) I was unable to select seats in advance. I come to OLCI this morning and get allocated 21AB ( looks like a 767) with no other seats available.
At least it is a short haul to LHR
Regards
TBS
On the BA 1461 flight EDI-LHR tomorrow ( first leg of the flights to HNL) I was unable to select seats in advance. I come to OLCI this morning and get allocated 21AB ( looks like a 767) with no other seats available.
At least it is a short haul to LHR
Regards
TBS
Jul 16, 2016, 2:29 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Arizona
Programs: BA (GGL G4L), AA (Gold), HH (Diamond); Marriott (Gold)
Posts: 3,011
Stuff like this provides the necessary sanity bridge between 'blighty' and sitting alone in a PHX hotel restaurant half way through another TP run.
Btw at this hotel they have a system that spews chilled water vapour over your pool-side sunbed - it works - you can sit unshaded catching lots of UV at 110 DegF !!
Btw at this hotel they have a system that spews chilled water vapour over your pool-side sunbed - it works - you can sit unshaded catching lots of UV at 110 DegF !!
I don't have misters at my house (many do), but we do have a heat/cool pump for our swimming pool, so we can reduce the water temperature this time of year from 36 to a more pleasant 31 (which feels cold compared to the air temperature).
Jul 16, 2016, 2:53 am
#14
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ipswich
Posts: 7,543
I'm in shock.
I took two flights this week and selected the exit row window. Despite being busy flights, the middle seats stayed free both times.
Now I've just taken an HBO flight and although I've probably only done half a dozen such fares, not only did I get a window seat for the first time (my preference), but it was two rows back from the curtain and both aisle and window seats were empty
It wasn't a full flight by any means, but I couldn't see any other rows with just one occupant. The row behind me had three single travellers.
I don't know if it's luck or something aligned to status, but I'm liking it. Might treat myself to a lottery ticket this week
I took two flights this week and selected the exit row window. Despite being busy flights, the middle seats stayed free both times.
Now I've just taken an HBO flight and although I've probably only done half a dozen such fares, not only did I get a window seat for the first time (my preference), but it was two rows back from the curtain and both aisle and window seats were empty
It wasn't a full flight by any means, but I couldn't see any other rows with just one occupant. The row behind me had three single travellers.
I don't know if it's luck or something aligned to status, but I'm liking it. Might treat myself to a lottery ticket this week
Jul 16, 2016, 5:58 am
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Stuff like this provides the necessary sanity bridge between 'blighty' and sitting alone in a PHX hotel restaurant half way through another TP run.
Btw at this hotel they have a system that spews chilled water vapour over your pool-side sunbed - it works - you can sit unshaded catching lots of UV at 110 DegF !!
Btw at this hotel they have a system that spews chilled water vapour over your pool-side sunbed - it works - you can sit unshaded catching lots of UV at 110 DegF !!