jeffrocowboy

So I seat selected an aisle/window combo on A330 when I booked fares back in November. I do know they are never guaranteed, but they have always stuck in the past.

Subsequently they have introduced a charge for aisle seats.

They have now dumped us in middle seats because we didn't pay a fee (which at the time did not exist). No advice in the interim of how we could secure the seats by paying a fee - although I don't think I should have to pay and original selection should be honored.

Oh yes we're Elite as well - nice touch PAL, maybe we wont be back after this.

Ocn Vw 1K

Please follow the discussion as the thread moves to the appropriate Other Asian Airlines forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Senior Moderator.

plunet

Well, that's hardly 4* service.
And what's so special about isle seats in any case?

clubeurope

Then you'd be pleased to know that Garuda as a 5-star airline charges over ~USD50 to select seats even on the shortest intl flights.

that aside, this reminds me a lot about when MH temporarily had free seat selections. I can't help but feel that this must be amongst the stupidest decisions they've made. Aisle seats, really? They should either keep the normal seats FOC, or charge for everything (but I am definitely hoping for the former)

Fyd

In my experience it helps to be polite and firm at check-in and to insist on your assigned seats until you get them. PAL has done that a few times with me when they changed prices or swapped equipment. Most people don't bother pushing back, but if you do (wihtout becoming obnoxious) eventually they give in and give you what you bought.
They moved me to the back of the bus when they introduced charges for seats up front - got my old seat back.
Was downgraded from Premium Economy to Economy when they swapped their new A330 out for a B777 - and eventually got a business class seat.
It always annoys me when they try to do this stuff and expect to get away with it...

R2

I had a somewhat related experience a couple of years back.

I was travelling SIN-MNL with my wife on two different PNRs. Flight was pretty full and they could not give us seats next to each other at check-in. She was assigned a seat at the back of the plane, I was given an exit seat (for free).

Once boarding was complete, I asked the purser if my wife could join me as the two seats next to me were vacant. Yes, is the answer, but only if we pay the additional priority seat fee (USD30 or whatever it was).

I decline the offer politely and made her aware being unhappy with the decision. A little later they invited my wife to take a vacant seat in the row behind me but despite my very friendly request would not allow her to sit with me in the exit row unless we paid for it.

It wasn't a big deal but I was surprised how rigid they were. If this was requesting someone to move from Economy to Business I would have completely understood it.

clubeurope

Honestly, I am very surprised by this development. I thought Tan (and Bautista) wanted to do away with San Miguel's strategy of charging everything. And to think that they continually market themselves as the premier airline of the Philippines.

jeffrocowboy

Spider

Seems like they do this with free pre-selected seats but has anyone experienced the same with paid 'special' seats or do they allow to keep your selection if you have paid extra for it?

tmac100

When I have to go to the toilet or walk for some exercise (on long-haul flights) it is easier for me (I am 195cm or 6'5") to be in an aisle seat. If someone in the middle seat or windiow seat needs "to go" then I welcome the additional chance of getting up and moving a bit more.
I get so fed up with flying economy in aisle seats, that for long-hauls I usually fly Business Class unless they are incredibly expensive... BUT if I plan ahead - say 5 months ahead - and fly strategically chosing my airlines - I can often get a decent priced Business class seat with plenty of room.

SPN Lifer

Thank you for letting us know about this PR practice.

ricktoronto

Gilligan, Ginger and Mary Ann are there for starters.

Fyd

This is often caused by change of equipment, so it can happen with paid seat assignments as well. I had a confirmed Premium Economy seat and was downgraded to Economy - until I told them what I thought off that...