How do you handle a seat change request? {Archive}
Jan 22, 2018, 10:09 am
#331
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You really should report them. NRSA's are not allowed to ask rev pax to move. It's a very very strict rule, and they can lose their NRSA flying privileges if they get caught. I have had to do this more than once over the years. The last time because an NRSA tried to poach my seat.
Jan 22, 2018, 10:20 am
#332
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Thanks for the heads up, Proudelitist! I was really not aware of that NRSA rule.
Jan 22, 2018, 10:43 am
#333
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Recall someone who I quickly realized was NRSA asked if I would swap an isle seat in 4 across Biz on 747 for window or isle (don't recall, it's been years) in the front mini cabin, and that seemed like a good swap for me. Otherwise I have NO problem saying no, since I choose my seats VERY carefully, normally MONTHS in advance.
Jan 22, 2018, 11:03 am
#334
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Did not know that.
Recall someone who I quickly realized was NRSA asked if I would swap an isle seat in 4 across Biz on 747 for window or isle (don't recall, it's been years) in the front mini cabin, and that seemed like a good swap for me. Otherwise I have NO problem saying no, since I choose my seats VERY carefully, normally MONTHS in advance.
Recall someone who I quickly realized was NRSA asked if I would swap an isle seat in 4 across Biz on 747 for window or isle (don't recall, it's been years) in the front mini cabin, and that seemed like a good swap for me. Otherwise I have NO problem saying no, since I choose my seats VERY carefully, normally MONTHS in advance.
You would be surprised how often people get indignant about it. NRSA's though, will back out right then. Except the one time of course when the guy tried to fold over the part that said NRSA, and was really offering me a middle instead of the aisle he claimed he had.
Jan 22, 2018, 5:45 pm
#335
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I almost never agree to swaps, on principle. But...on the rare occasions I consider it, I always ask to see the requestors BP. Two main reasons: 1..to verfiy where they are really sitting. Some people are sneaky and offer a seat that's not theirs. 2: to look for NRSA written on it..to make sure there is not an even bigger problem or shenanigans going on with them.
You would be surprised how often people get indignant about it. NRSA's though, will back out right then. Except the one time of course when the guy tried to fold over the part that said NRSA, and was really offering me a middle instead of the aisle he claimed he had.
You would be surprised how often people get indignant about it. NRSA's though, will back out right then. Except the one time of course when the guy tried to fold over the part that said NRSA, and was really offering me a middle instead of the aisle he claimed he had.
I did not realize that a NRSA's BP states NRSA. It's good to know.
Jan 22, 2018, 5:46 pm
#336
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That's a great idea, Proudelitist, and how I think I will handle these requests in the future. An innocent person just asking for a swap may be puzzled by the request but will likely show the BP. Anyone who resists or gets indignant? Well, those are the kind of people I wouldn't want to swap with anyway. Perfect!
Jan 23, 2018, 2:40 pm
#337
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You really should report them. NRSA's are not allowed to ask rev pax to move. It's a very very strict rule, and they can lose their NRSA flying privileges if they get caught. I have had to do this more than once over the years. The last time because an NRSA tried to poach my seat.
Jan 23, 2018, 2:52 pm
#338
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In November, a gate agent switched my seat to accommodate a couple. I wasn’t asked. I called United, but was told there was an equipment swap—there wasn’t, I track these things and there certainly wasn’t an hour before the flight when I had my original seat. I was also told no switch happened. So, I emailed customer care with two issues: someone taking my seat, followed by, unsatisfactory problem resolution when I called United. It’s been eight weeks and I haven’t received a response to my email. As a result, I now have three complaints. Since United customer service doesn’t work, I’m going back to my tried and true way to get the company to take me seriously: the DOT.
Jan 23, 2018, 3:01 pm
#339
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I didn’t either. I’m learning a boatload on this thread.
In November, a gate agent switched my seat to accommodate a couple. I wasn’t asked. I called United, but was told there was an equipment swap—there wasn’t, I track these things and there certainly wasn’t an hour before the flight when I had my original seat. I was also told no switch happened. So, I emailed customer care with two issues: someone taking my seat, followed by, unsatisfactory problem resolution when I called United. It’s been eight weeks and I haven’t received a response to my email. As a result, I now have three complaints. Since United customer service doesn’t work, I’m going back to my tried and true way to get the company to take me seriously: the DOT.
Jan 23, 2018, 3:15 pm
#340
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Obviously the DOT is the way to go for something very important, but I have several concerns/questions......does the DOT actually do anything about relatively minor issues such as the OP outlined above, an seat swap for no good reason, and unsatisfactory phone resolution? Does really care about someone going to the DOT for minor issues? Does a DOT complaint, or a series of DOT complaints get noted in someone's mileage plus profile in a way where the member is profiled as a complainer and difficult and someone that UA will treat in a negative manner when assistance is needed?
The DOT, in essence, does nothing. Perhaps if it’s something serious, the agency might spring into action and write a letter. If you check out the website, they let you know where to go with nontrivial (real) issues.
Jan 23, 2018, 8:28 pm
#341
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There are some subtle signs, and some obvious ones, like a tag on a carryon. Plus they often seem very chatty with working FAs. Once you've recognized a few it becomes more obvious, though of course not always, as some non working FAs try to blend in with regular pax.
Jan 23, 2018, 9:41 pm
#342
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Reverse!
DEN->ORD this evening (on it now actually). I'm in 15D, colleague in 15C. We board Group 1 and get settled. A woman comes up and her two daughters (maybe 5 and 7, I'm not good with ages not kids myself) are sitting [edit] middle and window next to me. It;s a short flight so I ask: 'where are you'?
She says up a few rows, so I offer to switch. Not really concerned if it's a middle for a few hours. She says: 'No, I'm in 3' proceeds to give the daughters her credit card, and bails.
I've helped the little ones swipe the card for TV, call for waters, throw out trash. I'd be pissed if I didn't feel so bad for these girls who, in my opinion (maybe it's too judgemental) probably have a pretty bad family life if mom is willing to bail on them for a two hour flight.
Some people..
Edit: when mom bailed out to F, FA looks at me and we both are kind of shock. She says 'didn't see that coming,' we both laugh, and I got some comp'd wine. Kids also behaved well so there is that!
She says up a few rows, so I offer to switch. Not really concerned if it's a middle for a few hours. She says: 'No, I'm in 3' proceeds to give the daughters her credit card, and bails.
I've helped the little ones swipe the card for TV, call for waters, throw out trash. I'd be pissed if I didn't feel so bad for these girls who, in my opinion (maybe it's too judgemental) probably have a pretty bad family life if mom is willing to bail on them for a two hour flight.
Some people..
Edit: when mom bailed out to F, FA looks at me and we both are kind of shock. She says 'didn't see that coming,' we both laugh, and I got some comp'd wine. Kids also behaved well so there is that!
Last edited by sfo2bos; Jan 24, 2018 at 5:46 am
Jan 24, 2018, 12:18 am
#343
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DEN->ORD this evening (on it now actually). I'm in 15D, colleague in 15C. We board Group 1and get settled. A woman comes up and her two daughters (maybe 5 and 7, I'm not good with ages not kids myself) are sitting aisle and window next to me. It;s a short flight so I ask: 'where are you'?
She says up a few rows, so I offer to switch. Not really concerned if it's a middle for a few hours. She says: 'No, I'm in 3' proceeds to give the daughters her credit card, and bails.
I've helped the little ones swipe the card for TV, call for waters, throw out trash. I'd be pissed if I didn't feel so bad for these girls who, in my opinion (maybe it's too judgemental) probably have a pretty bad family life if mom is willing to bail on them for a two hour flight.
Some people..
Edit: when mom bailed out to F, FA looks at me and we both are kind of shock. She says 'didn't see that coming,' we both laugh, and I got some comp'd wine. Kids also behaved well so there is that!
She says up a few rows, so I offer to switch. Not really concerned if it's a middle for a few hours. She says: 'No, I'm in 3' proceeds to give the daughters her credit card, and bails.
I've helped the little ones swipe the card for TV, call for waters, throw out trash. I'd be pissed if I didn't feel so bad for these girls who, in my opinion (maybe it's too judgemental) probably have a pretty bad family life if mom is willing to bail on them for a two hour flight.
Some people..
Edit: when mom bailed out to F, FA looks at me and we both are kind of shock. She says 'didn't see that coming,' we both laugh, and I got some comp'd wine. Kids also behaved well so there is that!
If that had been me I would have asked her (the mom) if she were concerned about my police record.
TBH - I do not have one.
Jan 24, 2018, 5:06 am
#344
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Isn't there an issue here with an unaccompanied minor now? I thought you had to have a guardian in the same cabin.
Jan 24, 2018, 5:38 am
#345
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https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...s/default.aspx
Seating children and infants with adults
United strives to seat children under age 15 with an accompanying adult family member.To have the best likelihood of children being seated with an accompanying adult, we recommend booking early and selecting seat assignments when you book. You can select seats through united.com, the United app or your travel agent. There may be additional charges for seat assignments depending on which cabin you select. Customers with Basic Economy tickets cannot make seat selections and families who want to sit together while traveling are advised to select a different fare option.
If you don’t select your seats in advance, we’ll do our best to find adjoining seats for a child and adult on the same reservation in the cabin you booked a few days before your flight departs. However, available seats may be limited at that time and your family or group may be split. While we strive to seat children with an adult in their group, seat selections are not guaranteed and may be changed, including in the event of an aircraft substitution.
If a child in your group was booked on a separate reservation, you can combine the reservations by calling the United Customer Contact Center (1-800-864-8331).