Blocked seats
 

Currently holding a reservation for my husband and myself in Business round trip to South Africa (ex JFK). On both the flights between Dubai and South Africa (to CPT, ex JNB) all the seats appear to be blocked with the exception of the middle three seats. When I called EK it was confirmed that all the window/aisle combos were blocked and would be 'released' nearer departure (October). Has anyone else experienced this (although it shouldn't make any difference both my husband and I are gold members). Does anyone know when these seats are 'released'??

My experience has been that for blocked seats in F or J, usually reserved for unaccompanied minors, if I explicitly state that I understand they are for UM's and will move if necessary, they will unblock the seat and assign it for me. I've never once had to move for a UM

There are some wide ranging technical issues with the emirates.com website at the moment, I am getting the same error messages.

Probably gearing up for making J seats chargeable :eek:

I'm only joking, I think.

Try selecting a seat on the Emirates app, I use the iPhone one, as it has less seats blocked than the website, so more for you to select.

On a 777 the website typically blocks all the left hand side of the aircraft twin seats, on the app it only blocks the bassinet seats at the front.

son flights to South Africa this is due to codeshare agreements with South African Airways I believe

Just call them and ask specifically for a seat change. They usually then ask for your preferences and tell you they will see what they can do.

Had the same issue with all seats blocked (except middle seat) and was then moved within an hour to my preferred seat.

What are the flight numbers , it is probably due to two reason:

-SAA codeshare
-Just a normally busy CPT/JNB-DXB segment.

Tried calling and they confirmed the seats were blocked and would only be released nearer the flight time. Frustrating, as Expedia shows far more open seats. Shall try as recommended and use the app. Otherwise we'll stick to two aisle seats with someone between us if the flight is full.

Thanks!!! Was able to change on my flight ex JNB, the CPT flight showed more seats but no window/aisle.

Of all the airlines I fly, no one comes close to blocking seats the way EK does in the premium cabins... In practice, this is not an issue since they have always released the seat when asked (probably helps to be Plat; at least one small benefit ;), but it is still a hassle having to contact EK every time.

Just booked 4 sectors (2017/8) as soon as they came within range. I very much suspect we were the first bookings.
All basinets were blocked as usual and all A&B in business were blocked.
Funnily enough,the second row K, had also gone and as my routing was multi destination it is highly unlikely it was a pax.
SS

I prefer 8 A/K or 6 A/K on the 777. Each appear blocked - not necessarily taken - on an upcoming trip. Anyone have experience with getting assigned by making a phone call? I'm gold and traveling alone.

Success! Just tried calling and they made the change.

That was lucky. Those seats usually appear blocked as they are bassinet rows on the 77W's in J.

S