KLM Cityhopper seating question
 

Good day,

We (spouse and self) have flights on KLM Cityhopper AMS-BOD-AMS scheduled for August, 2010. These were purchased through DL.

I can't seem to figure out how to get seat assignments on these flights, which are on ERJ-145's.

Called DL and they called KLM (I think). They were told that Cityhopper only assigns seats at the gate day of departure.

Do any of you who are familiar with them know if this is true, or if I can somehow get seats assigned?

Thanks for your help.

Hi guloxi,

The answer is correct. For all European flights, except when flying business, you can only get a seat assignment at check-in.

(This rule is used by most, if not all, European airlines)

Cheers,

GenevaFlyer

Fun Fact: OLCI opens 30h before the flight's departure time. That usually gives ample time to chose the seat one wants.
So even though there is no seat assignment it isn't really a problem...

KL don't have ERJ, AMS-BOD is operated by AF (Regional) but it has codeshare with KL.

AF ERJ have 1-2 seating. If you're on the same PNR AF/KL should pre-assign you a D-F pair.

Depends on your FF status.

Johan

Huh? Please explain. New hidden elite benefits I didn't know about?

Well, in theory the first X number of seat rows behind the curtain should be reserved for Elites and full-fare (X, S & B, I believe) economy pax. This is called the Select Seating zone, and the idea is that middle seats should be kept free if at all possible. Seats in this zone should not be available to other pax during OLCI.

In my experience, Select Seating procedures are rarely adhered to. Even on flights that are far from full all sorts of pax are allocated seats in that zone, and middle seats are more likely to be occupied than not.

Johan

I think the unofficial benefit of select seating on European Y is that indeed full Y fare pax and Elites are given the first rows behind the curtain. Middle seat blocking is not part of this 'benefit', hence the first rows of B and E seats are filled with Elite or full Y-fare pax.

If only KLM would extend the select seating area to the extent that non-Elite pax would be in B and E seats more in the rear, then it would indeed be a benefit. Now it isn't because of bad execution.

Thanks to all who replied. I was mistaken about the equipment type. It's an EMB-190. As to elite status, I've got Lifetime Silver thanks to MM status.

As to seating, it's not a big deal. I just found it unusual not to be able to select them ahead of time. I have no experience with European airlines or travel within Europe.

Again, thanks to all who took the time to reply.

Officially you are right it is not. In practice...it is sometimes. I guess it depends on who does check-in and/or is the gate attendant. I have definitely been on KL flights recently where the first 3-4 rows behind EuropeSelect had free middle seats, while the back of the plane was packed totally.

The EMB190 is the most recent in the KLC fleet and a very nice plane. 2-2 leather seats and relatively large overhead luggage storage. Plus a wardrobe for ES pax. And you may have one of the B-gates instead of a platform/bus gate.

I have definitely been on KL flights recently where:
- the first 3-4 rows behind EuropeSelect had free middle seats, while the back of the plane was packed totally

and

- Europe Select had all seats occupied, without a free middle seat

Would sound more like KLM:D

Most definitely used to be. KL even stated so in writing when Select Seating was first introduced, admittedly many years ago.

Or non-Elites, rock-bottom fare pax, or anybody but the non-revs, who all sit in front of the curtain.

Johan

Indead, flown on F70 directly behing the curtain (with OLCI, I have no status/paid full fare), seating arrangement is also 2-2 on E190 so no middle seat to be blocked. With OLCI 30h for departure you can reserve seats.

Huh? When was the seating arrangement ever 2-2 on a E90 or F70? They have been 2-3 for quite some time now...