How does Boarding Sequence No. work for Emirates?
May 19, 2011 | 1:48 am
#31
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,255
No OLCI and sequence no 2 on BP !
This continues to be confusing..
Travelled in EK recently and didn't do OLCI as seats were pre-selected..
Reached the airport 90mins before the flight and the BP had sequence no 2 though am sure many many pax had checked in already..??
Flight was also not completely full which ..
Have only seen this kind of thing with EK
Travelled in EK recently and didn't do OLCI as seats were pre-selected..
Reached the airport 90mins before the flight and the BP had sequence no 2 though am sure many many pax had checked in already..??
Flight was also not completely full which ..
Have only seen this kind of thing with EK
Sep 29, 2011 | 9:49 pm
#33
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,255
Hmmm.. this has also not been the case many a times.. My initials are A A and I have been alloted sequence nos right from 2 to anything in 400's even though there were not even 400 seats in that flight..
Sep 30, 2011 | 2:56 am
#34
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: DXB
Programs: EK Platinum
Posts: 289
Same for me. Had all kinds of sequence number in different classes. (initials A H)
Oct 1, 2011 | 3:48 am
#35
Moderator: Emirates Skywards and Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 12R/30L
Programs: EK Gold|EY Gold|Bonvoy Ambassador| IHG Plat|HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,850
I got an "official" explanation from an EK insider on this.
So the sequence number is your order on that flight for that day. The reason it is sometimes higher than the available number of seats is because it allows for duplicates. The same seat can be booked and cancelled unlimited number of times before someone finally snags it.
Having said all that, I booked a seat on a flight 36 hours before departure. At checkin yesterday I was sequence 0004.....I still don't get it!
So the sequence number is your order on that flight for that day. The reason it is sometimes higher than the available number of seats is because it allows for duplicates. The same seat can be booked and cancelled unlimited number of times before someone finally snags it.
Having said all that, I booked a seat on a flight 36 hours before departure. At checkin yesterday I was sequence 0004.....I still don't get it!
Mar 2, 2012 | 9:09 am
#36
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 20
Saw this old thread and thought I'd give the "official" reason from someone who used to live in the trenches, as the one above is not entirely accurate -
In EK when the flight is created in the check in system at around 72 hours before departure, sequence numbers are assigned by alphabetical order to however is booked at the time.
Anyone booked after the flight is created would be given numbers after - every time a travel agent or person books and cancels it still gets assigned a sequence number, so they can get a lot higher than the aircrafts capacity.
Sometimes upon creating the flight, there is an error and the passenger list has to be inserted again - so these times the sequence numbers can reach into the 400-500's.
Hope this helps!
In EK when the flight is created in the check in system at around 72 hours before departure, sequence numbers are assigned by alphabetical order to however is booked at the time.
Anyone booked after the flight is created would be given numbers after - every time a travel agent or person books and cancels it still gets assigned a sequence number, so they can get a lot higher than the aircrafts capacity.
Sometimes upon creating the flight, there is an error and the passenger list has to be inserted again - so these times the sequence numbers can reach into the 400-500's.
Hope this helps!
Mar 2, 2012 | 9:13 am
#37
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: london
Posts: 317
Saw this old thread and thought I'd give the "official" reason from someone who used to live in the trenches, as the one above is not entirely accurate -
In EK when the flight is created in the check in system at around 72 hours before departure, sequence numbers are assigned by alphabetical order to however is booked at the time.
Anyone booked after the flight is created would be given numbers after - every time a travel agent or person books and cancels it still gets assigned a sequence number, so they can get a lot higher than the aircrafts capacity.
Sometimes upon creating the flight, there is an error and the passenger list has to be inserted again - so these times the sequence numbers can reach into the 400-500's.
Hope this helps!
In EK when the flight is created in the check in system at around 72 hours before departure, sequence numbers are assigned by alphabetical order to however is booked at the time.
Anyone booked after the flight is created would be given numbers after - every time a travel agent or person books and cancels it still gets assigned a sequence number, so they can get a lot higher than the aircrafts capacity.
Sometimes upon creating the flight, there is an error and the passenger list has to be inserted again - so these times the sequence numbers can reach into the 400-500's.
Hope this helps!
Mar 2, 2012 | 11:00 am
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,050
Mar 2, 2012 | 11:56 am
#39
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 850
I'm not sure whether the methodology posted above is correct, as previously mentioned in the forum people booking much less than 72 hours in advance and still have a relatively high sequence number.
However I do have an alternative thought about how sequence numbers are assigned, not sure whether it is correct or not. My idea is that sequence numbers have nothing to do with time of booking or time of check in, but by the looks of may be similar to a cost index of which EK pilots will know about on this fourm. For an Emirates flight a cost index number is assigned to each flight on the flight plan of each flight from 1-1000 with 1 being the lowest priority for a flight and 1000 being the highest. For example if a flight is carrying VIPs or high value cargo, or possibly a flight with a lot of connections it could be given a cost index closer to the 1000 mark rather than 1. So this decides whether the aircraft should operate on time or wait due to delays which can be controlled by the airline - such as waiting for connecting passengers.
Therefore carrying this methodology over to a sequence number method, passengers with connections may be assigned a higher sequence number, as they are more important to fill the following Emirates flight. However it might also depend on the revenue they will gain by connecting you (versus other passengers); for example DEL-DXB-YYZ would mean more revenue than DEL-DXB-DOH. Of course this could also be determined on many other levels such as the cost associated with having to put you on a later flight out of DEL to DXB then in a hotel for the night(s) for the next flight to YYZ, than say DXB-DOH which is multiple times a day thus not requiring as much compensation ie. over night stay in a hotel. Therefore if having to be bumped off a flight due to overbooking or equipment change or whatever the reason might be, they can look at sequence numbers to decide who gets on the flight. Same said for upgrades: Skywards members who are assigned a high sequence number could mean higher priority and higher likelihood of being upgraded for whatever the reason may be!
I for one as staff can see how this method works as at EK we can book stand-by and firm tickets and have noticed higher sequence numbers on flights I have booked firm tickets on than stand-by regardless of class.
Just my thoughts on the method, welcome to provide your insight!
However I do have an alternative thought about how sequence numbers are assigned, not sure whether it is correct or not. My idea is that sequence numbers have nothing to do with time of booking or time of check in, but by the looks of may be similar to a cost index of which EK pilots will know about on this fourm. For an Emirates flight a cost index number is assigned to each flight on the flight plan of each flight from 1-1000 with 1 being the lowest priority for a flight and 1000 being the highest. For example if a flight is carrying VIPs or high value cargo, or possibly a flight with a lot of connections it could be given a cost index closer to the 1000 mark rather than 1. So this decides whether the aircraft should operate on time or wait due to delays which can be controlled by the airline - such as waiting for connecting passengers.
Therefore carrying this methodology over to a sequence number method, passengers with connections may be assigned a higher sequence number, as they are more important to fill the following Emirates flight. However it might also depend on the revenue they will gain by connecting you (versus other passengers); for example DEL-DXB-YYZ would mean more revenue than DEL-DXB-DOH. Of course this could also be determined on many other levels such as the cost associated with having to put you on a later flight out of DEL to DXB then in a hotel for the night(s) for the next flight to YYZ, than say DXB-DOH which is multiple times a day thus not requiring as much compensation ie. over night stay in a hotel. Therefore if having to be bumped off a flight due to overbooking or equipment change or whatever the reason might be, they can look at sequence numbers to decide who gets on the flight. Same said for upgrades: Skywards members who are assigned a high sequence number could mean higher priority and higher likelihood of being upgraded for whatever the reason may be!
I for one as staff can see how this method works as at EK we can book stand-by and firm tickets and have noticed higher sequence numbers on flights I have booked firm tickets on than stand-by regardless of class.
Just my thoughts on the method, welcome to provide your insight!
Mar 2, 2012 | 6:37 pm
#40
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: OSL
Programs: QR Plat | SK Diamond | A3 Gold
Posts: 4,612
I'm not sure whether the methodology posted above is correct, as previously mentioned in the forum people booking much less than 72 hours in advance and still have a relatively high sequence number.
However I do have an alternative thought about how sequence numbers are assigned, not sure whether it is correct or not. My idea is that sequence numbers have nothing to do with time of booking or time of check in, but by the looks of may be similar to a cost index of which EK pilots will know about on this fourm. For an Emirates flight a cost index number is assigned to each flight on the flight plan of each flight from 1-1000 with 1 being the lowest priority for a flight and 1000 being the highest. For example if a flight is carrying VIPs or high value cargo, or possibly a flight with a lot of connections it could be given a cost index closer to the 1000 mark rather than 1. So this decides whether the aircraft should operate on time or wait due to delays which can be controlled by the airline - such as waiting for connecting passengers.
Therefore carrying this methodology over to a sequence number method, passengers with connections may be assigned a higher sequence number, as they are more important to fill the following Emirates flight. However it might also depend on the revenue they will gain by connecting you (versus other passengers); for example DEL-DXB-YYZ would mean more revenue than DEL-DXB-DOH. Of course this could also be determined on many other levels such as the cost associated with having to put you on a later flight out of DEL to DXB then in a hotel for the night(s) for the next flight to YYZ, than say DXB-DOH which is multiple times a day thus not requiring as much compensation ie. over night stay in a hotel. Therefore if having to be bumped off a flight due to overbooking or equipment change or whatever the reason might be, they can look at sequence numbers to decide who gets on the flight. Same said for upgrades: Skywards members who are assigned a high sequence number could mean higher priority and higher likelihood of being upgraded for whatever the reason may be!
I for one as staff can see how this method works as at EK we can book stand-by and firm tickets and have noticed higher sequence numbers on flights I have booked firm tickets on than stand-by regardless of class.
Just my thoughts on the method, welcome to provide your insight!
However I do have an alternative thought about how sequence numbers are assigned, not sure whether it is correct or not. My idea is that sequence numbers have nothing to do with time of booking or time of check in, but by the looks of may be similar to a cost index of which EK pilots will know about on this fourm. For an Emirates flight a cost index number is assigned to each flight on the flight plan of each flight from 1-1000 with 1 being the lowest priority for a flight and 1000 being the highest. For example if a flight is carrying VIPs or high value cargo, or possibly a flight with a lot of connections it could be given a cost index closer to the 1000 mark rather than 1. So this decides whether the aircraft should operate on time or wait due to delays which can be controlled by the airline - such as waiting for connecting passengers.
Therefore carrying this methodology over to a sequence number method, passengers with connections may be assigned a higher sequence number, as they are more important to fill the following Emirates flight. However it might also depend on the revenue they will gain by connecting you (versus other passengers); for example DEL-DXB-YYZ would mean more revenue than DEL-DXB-DOH. Of course this could also be determined on many other levels such as the cost associated with having to put you on a later flight out of DEL to DXB then in a hotel for the night(s) for the next flight to YYZ, than say DXB-DOH which is multiple times a day thus not requiring as much compensation ie. over night stay in a hotel. Therefore if having to be bumped off a flight due to overbooking or equipment change or whatever the reason might be, they can look at sequence numbers to decide who gets on the flight. Same said for upgrades: Skywards members who are assigned a high sequence number could mean higher priority and higher likelihood of being upgraded for whatever the reason may be!
I for one as staff can see how this method works as at EK we can book stand-by and firm tickets and have noticed higher sequence numbers on flights I have booked firm tickets on than stand-by regardless of class.
Just my thoughts on the method, welcome to provide your insight!
Mar 2, 2012 | 8:08 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 20
When I mentioned 72 hours - that was when the flights I used to handle opened...its possible shorter flights closer to DXB are opened later -48, -36 etc.
For those that always get sequence numbers in between 1-10 or so, I guarantee their surname begins with "A"....
For staff, firm tickets would go alphabetically within the revenue passengers . Standby tickets go after the alphabetical list is done, so they would always be in 200-300's at least
As for the op-up rules....there are very general rules. Basically gold, then silver, then blue etc. There is no specific criteria stated for which from each level to do first. When I was there, I did by tier then by miles accrued. Some do by tier then fare basis of the ticket purchased (which GOLD had full J, then down the line to GOLDs with C,I,O.) Some do by tier then alphabetical. Sorry to say there is no definite answer for everyone. It really is up to the flight controller in outstations.
For those that always get sequence numbers in between 1-10 or so, I guarantee their surname begins with "A"....
For staff, firm tickets would go alphabetically within the revenue passengers . Standby tickets go after the alphabetical list is done, so they would always be in 200-300's at least
As for the op-up rules....there are very general rules. Basically gold, then silver, then blue etc. There is no specific criteria stated for which from each level to do first. When I was there, I did by tier then by miles accrued. Some do by tier then fare basis of the ticket purchased (which GOLD had full J, then down the line to GOLDs with C,I,O.) Some do by tier then alphabetical. Sorry to say there is no definite answer for everyone. It really is up to the flight controller in outstations.
Mar 2, 2012 | 8:22 pm
#42
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: Skywards Plat, Etihad Gold, Aerosvit Gold, Virgin Silver, AA lifetime Gold, Sirius Gold
Posts: 1,229
Thanks for this and realizing that this was how you personally did it, when you say "... then by miles accrued" do you mean miles still available (i.e. unused) or tier miles year to date or ???
Mar 3, 2012 | 1:45 am
#43
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 850
When I mentioned 72 hours - that was when the flights I used to handle opened...its possible shorter flights closer to DXB are opened later -48, -36 etc.
For those that always get sequence numbers in between 1-10 or so, I guarantee their surname begins with "A"....
For staff, firm tickets would go alphabetically within the revenue passengers . Standby tickets go after the alphabetical list is done, so they would always be in 200-300's at least
As for the op-up rules....there are very general rules. Basically gold, then silver, then blue etc. There is no specific criteria stated for which from each level to do first. When I was there, I did by tier then by miles accrued. Some do by tier then fare basis of the ticket purchased (which GOLD had full J, then down the line to GOLDs with C,I,O.) Some do by tier then alphabetical. Sorry to say there is no definite answer for everyone. It really is up to the flight controller in outstations.
For those that always get sequence numbers in between 1-10 or so, I guarantee their surname begins with "A"....
For staff, firm tickets would go alphabetically within the revenue passengers . Standby tickets go after the alphabetical list is done, so they would always be in 200-300's at least
As for the op-up rules....there are very general rules. Basically gold, then silver, then blue etc. There is no specific criteria stated for which from each level to do first. When I was there, I did by tier then by miles accrued. Some do by tier then fare basis of the ticket purchased (which GOLD had full J, then down the line to GOLDs with C,I,O.) Some do by tier then alphabetical. Sorry to say there is no definite answer for everyone. It really is up to the flight controller in outstations.
DXB-MUC in J on standby sequence number: 054
MUC-DXB in J on firm sequence number: 153
Both tickets were booked the night before departure. Also:
DXB-LAX in Y on standby sequence number: 183 on a full flight.
or
DXB-JNB in F on standby sequence number: 250
Mar 3, 2012 | 5:03 am
#44
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 730
I wonder who can find the highest seq number? I found a BP for BKK-DXB with 603. wtjulianchan previously reported 626 for the same route.
Regardless of the mystery of how they are assigned, high sequence numbers for CHC-SYD-BKK-DXB are understandable as many passengers fly one leg and are replaced by a new passenger on the next leg.
Regardless of the mystery of how they are assigned, high sequence numbers for CHC-SYD-BKK-DXB are understandable as many passengers fly one leg and are replaced by a new passenger on the next leg.
Mar 3, 2012 | 5:32 am
#45
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: Skywards Plat, Etihad Gold, Aerosvit Gold, Virgin Silver, AA lifetime Gold, Sirius Gold
Posts: 1,229
I wonder who can find the highest seq number? I found a BP for BKK-DXB with 603. wtjulianchan previously reported 626 for the same route.
Regardless of the mystery of how they are assigned, high sequence numbers for CHC-SYD-BKK-DXB are understandable as many passengers fly one leg and are replaced by a new passenger on the next leg.
Regardless of the mystery of how they are assigned, high sequence numbers for CHC-SYD-BKK-DXB are understandable as many passengers fly one leg and are replaced by a new passenger on the next leg.