Empty seats in 1st... how do you handle it?
Feb 17, 2012, 4:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Philly, Madrid
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 2,591
Empty seats in 1st... how do you handle it?
Recently had an experience where the flight left with an empty seat in 1st. Must have been a last minute no show because there was a long list waiting for upgrades on that flight. While I wasn't even near the top of the list, it really annoyed me to see that empty seat the whole flight.
Soon after I happened to be on the phone with a CSR for another reason and mentioned the empty seat and how much it annoyed me and I was told that I should have said something to a FA. But in the past when similar has happened and I've said something to a FA I've been told 'only the gate agents can process upgrades'.
So what really is the best (or right) way (or time) to handle (or complain about) such a situation?
Soon after I happened to be on the phone with a CSR for another reason and mentioned the empty seat and how much it annoyed me and I was told that I should have said something to a FA. But in the past when similar has happened and I've said something to a FA I've been told 'only the gate agents can process upgrades'.
So what really is the best (or right) way (or time) to handle (or complain about) such a situation?
Feb 17, 2012, 4:43 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MN
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Posts: 11,938
Recently had an experience where the flight left with an empty seat in 1st. Must have been a last minute no show because there was a long list waiting for upgrades on that flight. While I wasn't even near the top of the list, it really annoyed me to see that empty seat the whole flight.
Soon after I happened to be on the phone with a CSR for another reason and mentioned the empty seat and how much it annoyed me and I was told that I should have said something to a FA. But in the past when similar has happened and I've said something to a FA I've been told 'only the gate agents can process upgrades'.
So what really is the best (or right) way (or time) to handle (or complain about) such a situation?
Soon after I happened to be on the phone with a CSR for another reason and mentioned the empty seat and how much it annoyed me and I was told that I should have said something to a FA. But in the past when similar has happened and I've said something to a FA I've been told 'only the gate agents can process upgrades'.
So what really is the best (or right) way (or time) to handle (or complain about) such a situation?
Feb 17, 2012, 4:56 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: AUS
Programs: Delta FO, United Silver, National Executive, HHonors Silver, Marriott Silver
Posts: 347
Like I said... never, ever considered it...
Feb 17, 2012, 5:04 pm
#4
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Location: MN
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I have never gotten to that point yet. I did ask an FA once about a pax in F being in the bathroom since I saw an empty F seat. Once she said yes, I continued to my Y seat. But I have seen pax ask the FA to go speak with the GA before (for various reasons). I would not be seated at this point - I check F seats as I board (remember, the GA said F "boarded full") so every seat in F should be taken. Doesn't work with 757's if you board through 2L. But most times it works. I am one to hang out at the gate if there is any chance of an UG.
Feb 17, 2012, 5:08 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYC
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Posts: 4,246
Feb 17, 2012, 5:12 pm
#6
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Feb 17, 2012, 6:58 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ICT
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Posts: 1,330
And just to be clear, I didn't deplane because of an UG
Feb 17, 2012, 7:13 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: USA
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Wait around too long and you are left with no place to store bags on full flights. Flying in first is not as nice if your bag is flying in coach!
Feb 17, 2012, 7:29 pm
#10
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Feb 17, 2012, 7:31 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MCO
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Posts: 4,081
DL has been very clear that if you board the flight, you lose your right to the upgrade. The best way to handle the situation is to not board if there are any seats available in F (since most elites board even if not UG'd but on the list, your position on the list goes up very quickly). I ask the GA if F has checked in full, then ask if F has also boarded full. If she says yes and I board, and see an empty F seat, I ask the FA if anyone is in the restroom. If so, fine. If not, I would go back to the GA to question him/her about the empty seat. It has to be taken care of before the boarding door closes.
Feb 17, 2012, 7:38 pm
#12
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SLC
Programs: DL DM, MR PP
Posts: 96
I am confused. You say that if you board, you lose your right to the UG. Then you say if you find an empty seat after boarding, then you deplane to speak with the GA. If you boarded and you weren't #1 on the UG list, it wouldn't go to you anyway since you already boarded, no?
Feb 17, 2012, 7:49 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 31
Recently had an experience where the flight left with an empty seat in 1st. Must have been a last minute no show because there was a long list waiting for upgrades on that flight. While I wasn't even near the top of the list, it really annoyed me to see that empty seat the whole flight.
Soon after I happened to be on the phone with a CSR for another reason and mentioned the empty seat and how much it annoyed me and I was told that I should have said something to a FA. But in the past when similar has happened and I've said something to a FA I've been told 'only the gate agents can process upgrades'.
So what really is the best (or right) way (or time) to handle (or complain about) such a situation?
Soon after I happened to be on the phone with a CSR for another reason and mentioned the empty seat and how much it annoyed me and I was told that I should have said something to a FA. But in the past when similar has happened and I've said something to a FA I've been told 'only the gate agents can process upgrades'.
So what really is the best (or right) way (or time) to handle (or complain about) such a situation?
As they where closing the door I asked the FA about the empty seat and she said the recliner electronics was broken on that seat, so they wouldn't seat someone there..
I leaned over pushed all the buttons and it all worked just fine.. She quickly called the GA to find to next person on the upgrade list and moved them up form the back..
But if, I didn't show them it worked they would have left the seat open..
Feb 17, 2012, 7:50 pm
#14
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I am confused. You say that if you board, you lose your right to the UG. Then you say if you find an empty seat after boarding, then you deplane to speak with the GA. If you boarded and you weren't #1 on the UG list, it wouldn't go to you anyway since you already boarded, no?
Feb 17, 2012, 7:53 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 201
On a flight last month while I was boarding I heard a lady ask the GA if all the upgrades had been cleared and the GA said yes. After most of the plane had boarded one F seat in front of me had remained empty at which point I saw a FA bring that same woman from Y and sit in the seat. Just moments later though the rightful owner boarded the plane and the lady had to get back to Y.
Perhaps the FA saw it was past the 15 minutes before departure and asked the GA and was given the seat of the passenger next in line? I've also been in the same situation as that lady and it really sucks, especially when you're flying an int'l airline with a much nicer business cabin!
Perhaps the FA saw it was past the 15 minutes before departure and asked the GA and was given the seat of the passenger next in line? I've also been in the same situation as that lady and it really sucks, especially when you're flying an int'l airline with a much nicer business cabin!