FlyerTalk Forums - Any tips for getting an empty row on A380 out of LAX?

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Any tips for getting an empty row on A380 out of LAX?

Hello,

I know the Qantas flight from Syd to Dallas sometimes offers an upgrade to purchase a full row for $200-300 due to light passenger loads. For flights departing LAX, are there any similar offers for economy? If not, which part of the A380 would you choose in hopes of an empty row, or at least one empty seat next to you?

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgina80 (Post 30901049)

It is true that DFW-SYD is weight-limited, but I have never seen such an offer for DFW-SYD despite flying it approximately every other month. LAX-SYD will not be weight-limited. You are not going to get such an offer on any route if the load factor is above X% and the probability of that is related to time of year, day of week, etc.

As far as an empty seat is concerned, I would say the aisle seat in the middle section towards the back. However, you are really playing the lottery, and could choose a crappier-than-otherwise seat for no ultimate benefit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgina80 (Post 30901049)

For flights departing LAX, are there any similar offers for economy? If not, which part of the A380 would you choose in hopes of an empty row, or at least one empty seat next to you?

As per above comment, there is almost no chance of being certain you’ll achieve your goal of an empty seat next to you (for LAX-SYD). If you have top QF status then an empty seat may be blocked next to you but this can still be occupied if the airline chooses. You’d be better off paying for an exit row seat or paying for an “extra seat” in your name - but this will cost much more. Then of course you could try the NZ “ SkyCouch” if you’d like to go via AKL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jridge (Post 30901975)

It is true that DFW-SYD is weight-limited, but I have never seen such an offer for DFW-SYD despite flying it approximately every other month. ...

I believe you may have to ask.

Enjoy a Whole Row to Yourself on a Qantas Flight | Australian Frequent Flyer

Qantas "Comfort Row" | Australian Frequent Flyer

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgina80 (Post 30901049)

What is your date of travel?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aus380 (Post 30903929)

What is your date of travel?

This Thursday, LAX to Melbourne.

Might be reasonably light. Y9 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9 G0 X9 E9

Quote:

Originally Posted by jridge (Post 30905154)

Might be reasonably light. Y9 B9 H9 K9 M9 L9 V9 S9 N9 G0 X9 E9

Not sure how to interpret this. But thanks for the input!

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgina80 (Post 30905285)

Not sure how to interpret this. But thanks for the input!

X9 means they are prepared to sell at least 9 economy reward seats which generally means there are quite a few unsold seats.

I'll check the current seat map:

Quote:

Originally Posted by serfty (Post 30906282)

X9 means they are prepared to sell at least 9 economy reward seats which generally means there are quite a few unsold seats.

I'll check the current seat map:

Thanks, I appreciate your help! I've looked at the seat map a few times and it looks rather empty. But I've learned not to trust that when flying, as oftentimes people are waiting for online check-in time so they can choose a seat for free. I cannot tell you how many times it looked like my flight would be empty, only to get onboard and encounter a completely full plane (usually AA or TK).

Looking at the seat map, less than half are selected and many are blocked. Since Qantas charge non elites to select any seat before check in this is common.

I suggest keeping a close eye on things and even ask at check in if they can block seats as a courtesy.

Good Luck.

Results from https://www.ExpertFlyer.com

Code:

Seat Map Search:

Departing LAX on 21/03/19 for MEL

Flying QF flight 94 in Economy



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32  U       -   +       -   +   +   +       -   -       U   

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80      -   -   -                           -   -   -       

81      -   -   X       -   -   X   -       X   X   X       

82      X   X   X       H   +   +   +       X   X   X       

83      X   X   X       H   +   +   +       X   X   X       

84      X   X   X       H   +   +   -       X   X   X       

85      X   X   X       H   +   +   +       -   X   -       

86      +   +   -       H   +   +   +       +   +   +       

87                      -   -   +   +                       

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        A   B   C       D   E   F   G       H   J   K   









Seats

Premium Only             P                        

Available                +                        

Handicap-Accessible      H                        

Paid & Premium           #                        

Occupied                 -                        

Blocked                  X                        

Lavatory                 L                        

Paid                     $                        



Location

Exit Row                 E                        

Wing                     W                        

Upper Deck               U

Thank you, this is incredibly helpful!

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgina80 (Post 30906748)

Thank you, this is incredibly helpful!

live PMd you

The other thing to bear in mind is that QF don't (usually) get upset if you move once the seatbelt sign comes off, so you have a chance to play the spot-&-grab-a-row game too - although everyone else is playing that game, but it is often an option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aus380 (Post 30908025)

live PMd you

I haven’t received anything...