Another seat saving hassle and why I hate flying WN
Jun 16, 2014, 7:25 am
#466
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Minneapolis, originally from Cincinnati
Programs: Diamond with Delta, Hyatt and Hilton. 2 MM and Plat with America (thank you citi:))
Posts: 2,345
These are the two points in your post that reduce the credibility of other points of your experience.
I do have kids and I do understand the stresses of traveling with them, as well as the expenses involved. Neither of these complaints are the responsibility or the fault of your fellow travelers, and to assume that others should be forced to move or be inconvenienced in order that a family can sit together is inconsiderate.
That being said, I will (and have) move my seat to accommodate a family with young children, but if they display the entitled attitude, it is not going to happen.
Just as a suggestion-next time you fly with your 6 year old, simply line up with family boarding. Rarely will you be stopped.
I do have kids and I do understand the stresses of traveling with them, as well as the expenses involved. Neither of these complaints are the responsibility or the fault of your fellow travelers, and to assume that others should be forced to move or be inconvenienced in order that a family can sit together is inconsiderate.
That being said, I will (and have) move my seat to accommodate a family with young children, but if they display the entitled attitude, it is not going to happen.
Just as a suggestion-next time you fly with your 6 year old, simply line up with family boarding. Rarely will you be stopped.
Why does an entire family need to sit together? I totally understand one parent wanting to sit beside their child, but if the child is over four years old, why does the entire family have to sit together?
I have no issues moving around on an hour flight so ONE parent and a child can sit together usually if it's a case of a late connection, but if it's a four or five hour flight, I am not giving up an aisle seat for a middle seat so both parents can sit with their kid. When my kids were younger, I was content with just one of us sitting with the kids and if you are travelling with two kids unless it's an international bird with 4 across in the middle, you won't be sitting all together as a family anyway.
Before my wife had status and we would travel with just my son, if my upgrade cleared I gave her the seat up front and took her seat in Y with Reds Jr. What kills me on a legacy are these families that insist on sitting together yet if their upgrade(s) clear they have no problem sitting apart
Last edited by ILovetheReds; Jun 16, 2014 at 7:30 am
Jun 16, 2014, 7:36 am
#467
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: UA GOLD MM,WN CP A+list, HH Gold,MR LT Titanium
Posts: 2,184
Do they allow the entire family to board with family boarding? I thought it was just one parent and the eligible child(ren)?
Why does an entire family need to sit together? I totally understand one parent wanting to sit beside their child, but if the child is over four years old, why does the entire family have to sit together?
I have no issues moving around on an hour flight so ONE parent and a child can sit together usually if it's a case of a late connection, but if it's a four or five hour flight, I am not giving up an aisle seat for a middle seat so both parents can sit with their kid. When my kids were younger, I was content with just one of us sitting with the kids and if you are travelling with two kids unless it's an international bird with 4 across in the middle, you won't be sitting all together as a family anyway.
Why does an entire family need to sit together? I totally understand one parent wanting to sit beside their child, but if the child is over four years old, why does the entire family have to sit together?
I have no issues moving around on an hour flight so ONE parent and a child can sit together usually if it's a case of a late connection, but if it's a four or five hour flight, I am not giving up an aisle seat for a middle seat so both parents can sit with their kid. When my kids were younger, I was content with just one of us sitting with the kids and if you are travelling with two kids unless it's an international bird with 4 across in the middle, you won't be sitting all together as a family anyway.
I agree with you-moving seats so that the entire family can sit together isn't realistic. One parent and one young child.
Jun 16, 2014, 7:40 am
#468
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,193
Middle seat seems ideal for a little kid, freeing up room on both sides for adults. Literally no one cares if you save a middle; in fact, they are happy as it opens up an aisle/window elsewhere.
If desired, get situated, then let the kid move to the window for the more interesting parts of the flight, then back.
Can't imagine this not working out unless maybe you board with the Cs.
If desired, get situated, then let the kid move to the window for the more interesting parts of the flight, then back.
Can't imagine this not working out unless maybe you board with the Cs.
Jun 16, 2014, 9:19 am
#469
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Tucson AZ
Programs: Global Entry, United Silver, Marriott Platinum Premier, Hilton Gold
Posts: 380
Most WN passengers understand that Southwest's "open seating" policy can separate families on flights, and for the most part I haven't seen anyone get all grumbly over seat saving. I usually fly alone and always ask if a seat is taken if it's empty but someone else is already in the row. It's just good manners. This week I'll be taken a flight with my wife and daughter, neither of which are A-list. I fully intend on grabbing an aisle somewhere and holding two seats for them.
Jun 16, 2014, 9:27 am
#470
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Minneapolis, originally from Cincinnati
Programs: Diamond with Delta, Hyatt and Hilton. 2 MM and Plat with America (thank you citi:))
Posts: 2,345
Middle seat seems ideal for a little kid, freeing up room on both sides for adults. Literally no one cares if you save a middle; in fact, they are happy as it opens up an aisle/window elsewhere.
If desired, get situated, then let the kid move to the window for the more interesting parts of the flight, then back.
Can't imagine this not working out unless maybe you board with the Cs.
If desired, get situated, then let the kid move to the window for the more interesting parts of the flight, then back.
Can't imagine this not working out unless maybe you board with the Cs.
If a child is young enough they can't sit alone they should be boarding with their parent anyway and would be seating with them.
If someone tells me they are saving an aisle seat for someone boarding and there is another aisle seat available nearby not a big deal. In the OP's case there were only middle seats available and he paid for EBCI, so I don't blame him for insisting on that seat.
On the Delta and American boards there is a saying for people that whine about not getting their free upgrade WFBF (want first buy first). In this case if a couple of people want to sit together buy BS or EBCI
Jun 16, 2014, 12:17 pm
#471
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Cerritos, CA
Programs: AA Plat; HH Gold; Marriott Silver; UCLA Fan
Posts: 798
Most WN passengers understand that Southwest's "open seating" policy can separate families on flights, and for the most part I haven't seen anyone get all grumbly over seat saving. I usually fly alone and always ask if a seat is taken if it's empty but someone else is already in the row. It's just good manners. This week I'll be taken a flight with my wife and daughter, neither of which are A-list. I fully intend on grabbing an aisle somewhere and holding two seats for them.
Jun 16, 2014, 12:46 pm
#472
Suspended
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Alki. Seattle, WA
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Most WN passengers understand that Southwest's "open seating" policy can separate families on flights, and for the most part I haven't seen anyone get all grumbly over seat saving. I usually fly alone and always ask if a seat is taken if it's empty but someone else is already in the row. It's just good manners. This week I'll be taken a flight with my wife and daughter, neither of which are A-list. I fully intend on grabbing an aisle somewhere and holding two seats for them.
I find it interesting......"most WN passengers understand that's families can get separated on a flight".......then you're last sentence basically saying you are not one of those passengers......
.
Jun 16, 2014, 1:40 pm
#473
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Tucson AZ
Programs: Global Entry, United Silver, Marriott Platinum Premier, Hilton Gold
Posts: 380
However, if someone is going to save a seat, it's probably a good idea to make sure that those you're holding a seat for are at least EB, so there's still plenty of seats left on the aircraft and no one will be fussy. I purchased EB for both my wife and daughter, and they should be behind me in short order. If someone wants to be an impossible wretch over two seats when there are plenty of others left on the plane, I'll be happy to get up and move myself.
Jun 16, 2014, 2:10 pm
#474
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That wasn't really my point. My point was simply that most WN passengers realize that the open seating boarding policy can create a situation where holding a seat for someone can happen for a reasonable cause. Most people aren't going to say "screw you, I could care less about your wife, I'm taking this seat".
However, if someone is going to save a seat, it's probably a good idea to make sure that those you're holding a seat for are at least EB, so there's still plenty of seats left on the aircraft and no one will be fussy. I purchased EB for both my wife and daughter, and they should be behind me in short order. If someone wants to be an impossible wretch over two seats when there are plenty of others left on the plane, I'll be happy to get up and move myself.
However, if someone is going to save a seat, it's probably a good idea to make sure that those you're holding a seat for are at least EB, so there's still plenty of seats left on the aircraft and no one will be fussy. I purchased EB for both my wife and daughter, and they should be behind me in short order. If someone wants to be an impossible wretch over two seats when there are plenty of others left on the plane, I'll be happy to get up and move myself.
Gotcha. That wasn't implied in your post.....for all I know. They could be C17 and C18.....
Some people do get grouchy, but with so many open seats......as long as you don't save 2 exit row seats.
Jun 16, 2014, 3:55 pm
#475
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: MR LT Titanium, SPG LT Plat & Plat 100, SWA A+ & CP
Posts: 1,093
I find that my chances are actually better finding seating together on WN vs other airlines. It's pretty simple, either buy EBCI or don't be lazy and check in at T-24 and, in nearly all cases, you'll be OKAY.
Jun 16, 2014, 8:56 pm
#476
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,621
As the OP, let me just say that a teenager was saving a middle seat and the last aisle seat on the plane on about Row 8. I have no doubt that Dad put her up to it to maximize the sympathy vote.
When I called her ( and the FA) on it, magically an exit row aisle opened up, I believe courtesy of a WN non-rev.
And yes, I have moved most of my CP level flying to AS and B6, where I get an assigned seat, better snacks, and a lot less hassle. I now only fly WN a handful of times a year, and only when they are much cheaper than any alternative.
That said, the past 30+ pages had very spirited discussion, the usual sprinkling of snide remarks and ad hominem attacks usually found on FT from apologists, along with some very common sense solutions to the problem.
Interestingly enough, on B6, they use some of the ideas proposed in this thread to effectively deal with the issues that prompted this discussion.
When I called her ( and the FA) on it, magically an exit row aisle opened up, I believe courtesy of a WN non-rev.
And yes, I have moved most of my CP level flying to AS and B6, where I get an assigned seat, better snacks, and a lot less hassle. I now only fly WN a handful of times a year, and only when they are much cheaper than any alternative.
That said, the past 30+ pages had very spirited discussion, the usual sprinkling of snide remarks and ad hominem attacks usually found on FT from apologists, along with some very common sense solutions to the problem.
Interestingly enough, on B6, they use some of the ideas proposed in this thread to effectively deal with the issues that prompted this discussion.
Jun 17, 2014, 8:38 am
#477
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Minneapolis, originally from Cincinnati
Programs: Diamond with Delta, Hyatt and Hilton. 2 MM and Plat with America (thank you citi:))
Posts: 2,345
As the OP, let me just say that a teenager was saving a middle seat and the last aisle seat on the plane on about Row 8. I have no doubt that Dad put her up to it to maximize the sympathy vote.
When I called her ( and the FA) on it, magically an exit row aisle opened up, I believe courtesy of a WN non-rev.
And yes, I have moved most of my CP level flying to AS and B6, where I get an assigned seat, better snacks, and a lot less hassle. I now only fly WN a handful of times a year, and only when they are much cheaper than any alternative.
That said, the past 30+ pages had very spirited discussion, the usual sprinkling of snide remarks and ad hominem attacks usually found on FT from apologists, along with some very common sense solutions to the problem.
Interestingly enough, on B6, they use some of the ideas proposed in this thread to effectively deal with the issues that prompted this discussion.
When I called her ( and the FA) on it, magically an exit row aisle opened up, I believe courtesy of a WN non-rev.
And yes, I have moved most of my CP level flying to AS and B6, where I get an assigned seat, better snacks, and a lot less hassle. I now only fly WN a handful of times a year, and only when they are much cheaper than any alternative.
That said, the past 30+ pages had very spirited discussion, the usual sprinkling of snide remarks and ad hominem attacks usually found on FT from apologists, along with some very common sense solutions to the problem.
Interestingly enough, on B6, they use some of the ideas proposed in this thread to effectively deal with the issues that prompted this discussion.
And if they are going to save seats, save them in the back, not row 8, I'm surprised sitting that far up someone didn't call them out on it before.
I'm surprised WN allows NRSA's to preboard and take an exit row seat from someone that paid for BS or EBCI.
I realize a lot of people think WN's opening seating is great and love it, but I hate it. I like knowing where I'll be seated at and will have that seat regardless of I am the first person to board or board right before they shut the door. Assigned seating avoids all the sheena the OP went through.
Jun 17, 2014, 9:07 am
#478
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Tucson AZ
Programs: Global Entry, United Silver, Marriott Platinum Premier, Hilton Gold
Posts: 380
I realize a lot of people think WN's opening seating is great and love it, but I hate it. I like knowing where I'll be seated at and will have that seat regardless of I am the first person to board or board right before they shut the door. Assigned seating avoids all the sheena the OP went through.
Jun 17, 2014, 11:37 am
#480
Suspended
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Alki. Seattle, WA
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I was just on AS, much appreciate the WN policy. That all being said, open seating or not, wherever I have the highest airline status, is my favorite airline.