Does Delta block some middle seats?
Dec 1, 2017, 3:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: Delta
Posts: 87
Does Delta block some middle seats?
I'm in 19E on a 2-3-2 and rows 19-23 all have the C and E seats showing empty (other than mine of course) but the D seats occupied. Have Delta just blocked those seats or have 5 people really decided that with 14 other seats available in rows 19-23 the best one to pick is the middle? Would Delta randomly assign those seats when surely it would make more sense to assign a single traveller an aisle so as to keep 2 seats next to one another free, or an A/B/F/G so as to keep a set of 3 free.
Dec 1, 2017, 4:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: LAX/BUR, RDU
Programs: DL SM, AAdvantage, SPG
Posts: 1,360
By 2-3-2, I'd guess you're on a 767 -- do you know the variant?
Have you purchased/selected preferred seating?
If so, DL recently stopped allowing you to switch seats to a different "experience" within in the Main Cabin. To my knowledge, within your online reservation, any seat not in your "experience" (Comfort+, Preferred Seat, Regular Economy) will show as blocked. If you search for your flight as if you were going to buy it and select "View Seats," you should be able to see which seats are truly occupied.
Edit: DF136BRC's response below is probably more likely.
Have you purchased/selected preferred seating?
If so, DL recently stopped allowing you to switch seats to a different "experience" within in the Main Cabin. To my knowledge, within your online reservation, any seat not in your "experience" (Comfort+, Preferred Seat, Regular Economy) will show as blocked. If you search for your flight as if you were going to buy it and select "View Seats," you should be able to see which seats are truly occupied.
Edit: DF136BRC's response below is probably more likely.
Last edited by FlyerWx; Dec 1, 2017 at 4:06 pm
Dec 1, 2017, 4:40 pm
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,421
Those middle seats were selected by those kettles who prefer not to pay for seat assignments. Very few windows and aisles aren't at least preferred, so unless a kettle has purchased tickets extremely early, chances are that nothing but middle seats are left to be selected for free. Given this, middles relatively toward the front are taken first.
Dec 1, 2017, 5:58 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: Delta
Posts: 87
OK, that makes sense. I was in C+ but asked to be moved back as all there was available in C+ was middle seats. Hopefully I'll be lucky and the C seat will stay free so the middle seat person can scoot over and give us both some room.
Dec 1, 2017, 7:12 pm
#8
Moderator: Hyatt; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: WAS
Programs: :rolleyes:, DL DM, Mlife Plat, Caesars Diam, Marriott Tit, UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, invol FT beta tester
Posts: 19,000
the post stated 767 equipment, so 2-3-2 config, and is talking about the middle 3 section, so no windows involved; and also explicitly said that in the rows being asked about the middle is taken with both aisles available. In that context your reply doesn't make any sense.
Dec 1, 2017, 8:57 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
Dec 4, 2017, 12:12 pm
#10
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, United Silver
Posts: 6,334
Delta almost always blocks the last two rows of economy in the main cabin, at least on the 767s flying to Europe. Those are reserved for last-minute reservations from elites and/or crew rest. I don't know if they do it on the 777 or other aircraft, as I've never needed it.
Dec 4, 2017, 12:26 pm
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,421
On many flights, the last two rows are blocked for GA assignment in order to facilitate keeping families with small children together.
Dec 4, 2017, 1:46 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,081
Dec 4, 2017, 1:47 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,081
Delta almost always blocks the last two rows of economy in the main cabin, at least on the 767s flying to Europe. Those are reserved for last-minute reservations from elites and/or crew rest. I don't know if they do it on the 777 or other aircraft, as I've never needed it.