The problem with theoretical seating
May 4, 2019, 11:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London
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The problem with theoretical seating
Without wishing to sound a snob, but the problem with them blocking seats next to Golds, is some of the people who get allocated the seat when the flight is full (who didn’t check in until the airport).
May 4, 2019, 11:32 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: London
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Sometimes I wonder if the only problem with Theoretical Seating is the fact we actually know about it, leading some to expect way too much of an unpublished and in my opinion rather sophisticated perk.
Last edited by noFODplease; May 4, 2019 at 11:39 pm
May 4, 2019, 11:48 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Silver, VS Silver
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I’m not sure if TS predates CE on domestics, but before CE on domestic runs you could guarantee that 1B, if allocated, would try to keep her handbag at her feet.... the implication being that the last to check in, usually inexperienced travellers, would be placed in those seats that were attempted to be kept clear.
May 4, 2019, 11:56 pm
#6
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Yes when the block is removed you get those who didn’t check in online. The people next to me today are, quite frankly, a bit weird.
You often get those who get up and go to the loo even during a short flight, people who constantly want things from their bags, etc.
It’s not the end of the world, but just something I’ve noticed.
You often get those who get up and go to the loo even during a short flight, people who constantly want things from their bags, etc.
It’s not the end of the world, but just something I’ve noticed.
May 5, 2019, 4:27 am
#7
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Yes when the block is removed you get those who didn’t check in online. The people next to me today are, quite frankly, a bit weird.
You often get those who get up and go to the loo even during a short flight, people who constantly want things from their bags, etc.
It’s not the end of the world, but just something I’ve noticed.
You often get those who get up and go to the loo even during a short flight, people who constantly want things from their bags, etc.
It’s not the end of the world, but just something I’ve noticed.
Are you sure you are not simply miffed/annoyed that the seat next to you ended up occupied?
May 5, 2019, 4:36 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Plymouth, UK
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Posts: 1,159
I think I understand what the OP is getting at. If I understand correctly the OP is suggesting that the people that are allocated seats that were previously blocked and then unblocked as the flight fills up are probably the least experienced flyers. They might not have used OLCI possibly because they don't know it is important to check in early or perhaps they are not good with tech and because they are infrequent flyers they might have some rather non-standard or unusual ways when flying perhaps through their inexperience.
Personally, when I fly I try to assume that I will have these inexperienced people around me because they are always on the flight somewhere and in all likelihood will be near or next to me. I nearly always try to get a window seat so I don't have to keep getting up for others. I am not sure we can complain at having inexperienced flyers on the flight. I would just try to help them to enjoy the flight and they may become more experienced in the future. Fly on your own terms and try not to let the actions of others bother you and you will have a more relaxed experience yourself
Personally, when I fly I try to assume that I will have these inexperienced people around me because they are always on the flight somewhere and in all likelihood will be near or next to me. I nearly always try to get a window seat so I don't have to keep getting up for others. I am not sure we can complain at having inexperienced flyers on the flight. I would just try to help them to enjoy the flight and they may become more experienced in the future. Fly on your own terms and try not to let the actions of others bother you and you will have a more relaxed experience yourself
May 5, 2019, 4:39 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Indeed, snaxmuppet. In fact, when I travel if the biggest issue I have with my seat neighbour is the odd trip to the bathroom and a couple of extra visits to the overhead locker, then that's actually a good travel day
May 5, 2019, 4:43 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Singapore
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I know exactly what you mean, Vgravity. Though, on occasion, when I'm in the exit row aisle seat and there's a goldie at the window, it can end up being a case of a rose between two thorns as well.
May 5, 2019, 4:44 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Couple of other things to mention though - firstly there can be a number of reasons why even experienced travellers may be late checking in or being allocated a seat. And secondly, even experienced late checking travellers can have travel habits that some fellow passengers might find odd or irritating. I don't deny their could be a correlation here, but I'm not sure things are always that clear cut.
May 5, 2019, 4:48 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2011
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I'm more sensitive to seat neighbours with halitosis and/or body odour myself...and I can tell you there are plenty of folks (newbies and Golds alike) who seem to suffer from those afflictions.
May 5, 2019, 6:32 am
#13
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
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May 5, 2019, 8:28 am
#14
Join Date: Oct 2015
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And last week I was sitting in front of two Golds who spent the entire journey, from boarding to disembarkation, talking about aircraft types and TP runs they have done/will be doing/are hoping to do in mind-numbing detail. I'd have welcomed halitosis, body odour or someone getting up to go to the loo every 10 minutes.
Last edited by Misco60; May 5, 2019 at 9:57 am
May 5, 2019, 9:51 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2002
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I'm a Gold and have been known to use the toilet while seated in CE on occasion on 2 hour flights. Wasn't aware this labels me as some sort of weirdo/riffraff passenger that the OP would not want sitting near them. In fact to certain destinations (I'm looking at you MUC) it's not a bad idea to have done just that if a flight from for example Russia has arrived before you and the automatic passport gates aren't working as usual. You could be standing waiting to get through for 40 minutes even with an EU passport before you have access to a toilet.