Buying Even More Space seats at gate
Sep 17, 2019, 9:38 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: New York City
Programs: AA P; Marriott G; Hertz 5*; Club Carlson G; IHG P;
Posts: 85
Buying Even More Space seats at gate
When is the latest one can possibly upgrade to even more space seats for a fee? Is the cost cheaper buying online, at check-in, or at gate?
I'm trying to guarantee an open middle seat, but wouldn't pay for extra legroom if it'll end up being occupied.
I'm trying to guarantee an open middle seat, but wouldn't pay for extra legroom if it'll end up being occupied.
Sep 18, 2019, 7:06 am
#3
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Cape Cod
Programs: Free agent
Posts: 1,535
Cost is the same regardless of purchase time. The latest I've seen is on the flight. Someone paid to move to an EMS seat during a flight about a week before Thanksgiving last year (JFK-MSY) right after takeoff. Row only had a window seat taken.
My answer is that you will never be able to guarantee an open middle and you're just playing roulette.
My answer is that you will never be able to guarantee an open middle and you're just playing roulette.
Sep 20, 2019, 11:32 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Folsom,CA
Posts: 408
Sep 20, 2019, 11:45 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AS MVPG, DL KM, Bee Six, Bonvoy Plat, Avis PC, Natl Exec, Greyhound Road Rewards Z"L
Posts: 17,146
When they first switched to the MC with this benefit, people got EMS with the discount; they caught on pretty quickly.
-J.
Sep 24, 2019, 12:40 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Platinum, JetBlue Mosaic, Hilton Silver
Posts: 711
If you want to guarantee an open middle seat, I would wait until boarding is complete and then ask the FA to upgrade to a row with empty seats. However, even that won't be a guarantee because if someone has tv or neighbor issues, there is likelihood someone will be moved mid-flight.
Oct 17, 2021, 6:36 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA BA CO DL UA US
Posts: 831
If you want to guarantee an open middle seat, I would wait until boarding is complete and then ask the FA to upgrade to a row with empty seats. However, even that won't be a guarantee because if someone has tv or neighbor issues, there is likelihood someone will be moved mid-flight.
I think this is a good plan - upgrade if there is an empty row. I got EWR-SXM, and SXM-EWR flight in summer. They want $70+ for extra 3 inches. I think I will pass on it, unless I can get empty row vs one with 3 people full in a row.
Nov 3, 2021, 6:54 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AS MVPG, DL KM, Bee Six, Bonvoy Plat, Avis PC, Natl Exec, Greyhound Road Rewards Z"L
Posts: 17,146
In October I flew Delta 2x and both flights were completely full.
-J.