Blocked seats
Feb 24, 2017 | 5:05 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: AA MM, AA EXP; OW Emerald, EK silver
Posts: 1,048
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'??
Feb 24, 2017 | 5:59 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: New York
Programs: EK Plat, UA GS, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Amex Centurion
Posts: 514
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
Feb 25, 2017 | 3:10 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Kuwait
Programs: BA Gold, Qatar Platinum
Posts: 181
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.
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.
Feb 25, 2017 | 3:48 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,791
s
on flights to South Africa this is due to codeshare agreements with South African Airways I believe
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.
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.
Feb 25, 2017 | 4:43 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: Skywards
Posts: 110
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.
Had the same issue with all seats blocked (except middle seat) and was then moved within an hour to my preferred seat.
Feb 25, 2017 | 8:26 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: AA MM, AA EXP; OW Emerald, EK silver
Posts: 1,048
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.
Feb 25, 2017 | 8:43 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: AA MM, AA EXP; OW Emerald, EK silver
Posts: 1,048
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.
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.
Feb 25, 2017 | 2:56 pm
#11
Join Date: Feb 2016
Programs: MM, EK, HH, etc.
Posts: 388
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.
, but it is still a hassle having to contact EK every time.
Feb 26, 2017 | 3:12 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Warks.England
Programs: Thai Silver,Skywards Silver,Gulf Silver, Interconti Prority Platinum, FR Priority Q!
Posts: 695
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
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
Mar 3, 2017 | 2:46 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Boston, USA
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 152
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.
Mar 3, 2017 | 7:16 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Boston, USA
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 152
Mar 3, 2017 | 11:46 pm
#15
Moderator, Emirates
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Where My Heart Is
Programs: BAEC Silver, FB Platinum, KQ Asante Gold, Shebamiles Blue, Emirates Blue
Posts: 3,429