How early to turn up for exit row?
Aug 28, 2008, 3:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: HOU
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K
Posts: 285
How early to turn up for exit row?
This weekend I'll be flying Qantas from SYD-LAX. As I bought the ticket after the seat map closed (or so they said on the phone), they were unable to assign me a seat.
Basically my question is, how early should I turn up at SYD for a good chance at a seat in row 16? Are these seats allocated before check-in to QF elites so I shouldn't bother?
Basically my question is, how early should I turn up at SYD for a good chance at a seat in row 16? Are these seats allocated before check-in to QF elites so I shouldn't bother?
Aug 28, 2008, 4:05 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Sydney, Aus
Programs: QF WP, Starwood Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Avis President's Club, Amex Platinum
Posts: 2,880
This weekend I'll be flying Qantas from SYD-LAX. As I bought the ticket after the seat map closed (or so they said on the phone), they were unable to assign me a seat.
Basically my question is, how early should I turn up at SYD for a good chance at a seat in row 16? Are these seats allocated before check-in to QF elites so I shouldn't bother?
Basically my question is, how early should I turn up at SYD for a good chance at a seat in row 16? Are these seats allocated before check-in to QF elites so I shouldn't bother?
Aug 28, 2008, 9:24 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Cairns
Programs: QFF Gold, Velocity, *Alliance
Posts: 285
So, get there early, charm them and try your luck!!
Aug 29, 2008, 12:45 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Aus
Programs: QFF Gold, Velocity + Miles & More
Posts: 1,172
Exit seats and QF can be a very frustrating thing! Your best bet is get there early and be nice to the checking agent. From my experience and to my announce status plays no part unless you are QF Platinum.
Aug 29, 2008, 3:51 am
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 41
In the lounge the lass told me that there were free seats and allocated them to us. She (by chance) was Polish-Australian and agreed with us that the person was racist.
I think it is sad but I've found this attitude a number of times only with Qantas, especially when dealing with asian customers. Your best chance if you are a white Australian female.
Aug 29, 2008, 4:01 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: QF LTG:
Posts: 1,859
One way to check in early (before official opening time) is to fly from another location, e.g. CBR-MEL-NRT and you will get your boarding pass for the international sector. At this point you can ask for the exit row 
.
If the GA cannot assist you then you can always ask in the Qantas Club. On my last international trip this approach was very successful.
. If the GA cannot assist you then you can always ask in the Qantas Club. On my last international trip this approach was very successful.
Aug 29, 2008, 5:58 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: RSE
Programs: AA Exp|VA Platinum
Posts: 15,506
Also I would be interested in knowing how a check-in agent knew he was Polish assuming he was travelling on an Australian passport I doubt many would be able to tell the difference between any eastern European accent.
Aug 29, 2008, 6:51 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP/LTG | UA P
Posts: 13,530
It is hard enough to see the seat number on your own boarding pass let alone someone elses - especially at check-in. In any case, the exit row seat may well have opened up just as the second person checked in.
Aug 29, 2008, 1:17 pm
#9
In Memoriam
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Katoomba (Blue Mountains)
Programs: Mucci
Posts: 8,083
Dave