brysal

I just got off the phone with United about what I thought was a problem on one of my upcoming flights where the middle seat was not removed from inventory for assignment after I reserved an aisle. I was notified by the agent that United will no longer block the middle seat for premieres of any level. This was then verified by a Supervisor and then again by 1K Customer relations. So far just one of my flights has been impacted (lots of windows and aisles booked and most middles are visible). They also indicated that they were rolling in the software update and all flights should be complete by the second week of February. They said that previously anyone qualified to get access to a blocked seat would have to call and then be put on hold to get a supervisor to get it assigned and that by not blocking anymore, it should make it easier for the customer and reduce calls.

So is this really a big deal? Or a big loss? Anyone else have more information?

mrswirl

With most flights these days running at 90%+ full I'm not sure we're realizing the true benefits of seat blocking anyway.

I'm dissappointed that UA feels it has to further erode elite benefits but I'm guessing that the net effect will be minimal.

mahasamatman

You're disappointed they're removing a benefit that wasn't a benefit?

ionlyflyupfront

being commercially aware might be of use to some members of ft as well

brysal

In thinking through this, it doesn't make too much a difference if you were able to book into economy plus since any premiere could get access to the middle seat anyway. But this is a big loss if you booked into E- and had a blocked seat next to you.

yofra

On my current itinerary on .bomb, it still shows a middle seat blocked...but it also could be a new "enhancement" that only applies to future bookings.

darthbimmer

It was certainly a benefit, just not available 100% of the time due to loading factors. I'll miss it.

mrswirl

It's the principle more than anything else. Seat blocking never really concerned me either way but there are those who feel strongly on the subject: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=764732

famtrav

How can you tell if the it's blocked or occupied?

SEA_Tigger

Well the only reason you'd book into E- was because E+ was full, so it would be a moot point, anyway, since at that point E- would likely be almost at 100% since there are a lot more non-elites and non-EP Access folks who are put in back by default.

Cosmos M

Well, who sits in the middle by choice anyway? I doubt anyone will notice a difference.

camachinist

Change your seat to a row with an open middle and see if the phantom passenger "follows" you.

snic

The difference is that if a middle is open next to two non-elites, it is available for the next passanger to sit in. If there's an elite next to it, it's not available. This has benefitted me several times, and I think I will notice the difference (if I remain at United).

bostonpilot

I have a flight booked for this Sat BOS-LAX, returning TUS-DEN-BOS the next week with the wife and I called the UGS line yesterday on something unrelated. The woman confirmed that the middle was still blocked out on the full RT. As mentioned above, I wonder if this only applies to future bookings (I booked this one about a month ago).

If it makes you feel any better I fished for any possible way to get around the upgrade restrictions on the DB free coupons I used for the trip with no luck...

jd2000

90%+ is not 100%. I've been on flights that have only 1 or 2 empty seats, but including the one next to me. That's certainly realizing the "true benefit," whatever that means.