snaxmuppet

I have booked LHR - ORD (not that the trip details are relevant!) in Prem Economy. It is a 747-400 and so the cabin is 2-4-2. The thing is that all the pairs of seats on each side have at least one seat occupied. I really don't like being in the middle. I wondered if there was a way to get a pair of seats at the side as I am Gold? I am pretty sure I can't as they have booked a seat and so I can't think of any good reason why they would bump someone just because a Gold wants two seats together but I thought I'd ask the question just in case there is a way

Ancient Observer

The aisles are not that wide - try two aisle seats "next " to each other? SWMBO and I would prefer one of the 2s but are content with 2 aisle seats. Then try again at check in.

firstlight

I cant remember the exact configuration but there is likely to be bassinet rows at the front. Put yourself and your companion in the two front aisle seats and then phone to get yourself put in the bassinet seat next to your companion at about t-30. As gold you can normally get access to the front row of PE as long as you don't try and put yourself in the bassinet seat itself.

It's not guaranteed but normally it works

snaxmuppet

That is the fallback. We have done this many times but that was before I got Gold. I feel it is a bit of a cheeky question really as it smacks a little of me thinking I have some kind of right which clearly I don't have and nor do I think I have... but I am still very much learning how to get the most from my Gold status so that is the reason behind the question... not one of entitlement or expectation

snaxmuppet

Thanks... yes, I did see that we couldn't take the bassinet seat in the front row and wondered if they become available at some point.

When you say T-30 is that 30hrs?

firstlight

yes, close enough to the date that all potential infant passengers have been seated but before the seat map comes under airport control

gcuk

Also check the seat map periodically. There will likely be some movement as other people's travel plans change.

Globaliser

Or use one of the services that will alert you if a seat comes free.

orbitmic

snaxmuppet

I have an Expert Flyer subscription so I will set up an alert... thanks.

snaxmuppet

I totally agree... as I said in my OP there is no reason to bump... but my question has highlighted at least one technique I could try to get the bassinet seat in the front of the cabin so it was definitely worth asking the question

jamesreid978

I am in a similar situation as the OP and don't want to be a DYKWIA in any way. Travelling on a separate booking to the wife (she is silver, I am gold, although I don't think that matters) and we would like a pair of seats not in the middle or across the aisle from each other. There are free window seats and free aisle seats at the window pairings, but not 2 together. It wouldn't be an issue for someone to move a row forward or back once on the plane (providing I am not asking someone in the front row to move back) but I feel it shouldn't be an issue for BA to proactively move someone beforehand to avoid asking once on the plane. I understand why this happens, I do it myself, if I want a window seat and there is a choice of one with an occupied aisle seat next to it, and one without, I always choose the one without as it increases the chances of having two seats to yourself. I have the front row aisle booked currently, and my mrs has a window a couple rows back booked. If I can't get her moved into the window next to me (Bassinet seat) before takeoff, I will ask the person in the aisle sat next to her to swap seats with me, but I would prefer if BA were able to do this for me before the flight.

corporate-wage-slave

BA won't shuffle people around before travel, people have their own motivations to liking certain seats (such as window alignment, or for aisle seats because their companion is across the aisle) and they aren't going to upset other passengers just because you don't like sitting in the middle block, where presumably there are pairs of seats. To some extent the bassinet gives you the solution, so long as someone with a child doesn't need it first. If you are on one ticket, you best move yourself to the seat next to the bassinet rather than your wife - as you appear to have done.