Ok, so my boyfriend from Japan is coming to visit me this August. He bought his ticket some months ago and was not able to reserve his seat ahead of time (dunno why). Now when he called the travel agent, the agent said that all the seats were occupied on the online map, but that he'd be guaranteed a seat at check-in. How is this possible?
This is a flight from Osaka-Kansai to San Francisco. Is he on Stand-by or what? Any experienced airport employees know?
Is it possible they may bump him to business class or something? I just want him to arrive so I can see him...
BTW that's the ONLY flight departing to San Francisco.
2007-07-12 17:47:01 · 5 answers · asked by Delita 5 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Other - Destinations
Sometimes the airport will block off certain seats like the bulkhead or exit rows, and they release them on the day of departure. Not having a seat number doesn't mean he is on standby so not to worry at all :) Tell him to arrive nice and early at check in (will help beat the queues for security checks as well) and he'll definitely get a seat number on his boarding pass.
2007-07-12 22:43:34 · answer #1 · answered by jmp78 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is possible that he may not get a seat on the flight. Yes he is on standby. Agent probably knows that there is a big chance of getting a seat because he may know that it is not oversold too many. All flights are oversold, but in different degrees.
Allocation for seats are given to individual travel agents. His agent has probably ran out. Unless you can get a written confirmation on his ticket or print out with flight status that says OK (not RQ which means on request), then that's the only time he is guaranteed to get a seat. He may call his airline directly to see if he can get a confirmed status. I would not get on the flight if there is a chance to be bumped off at Kansai
In the international airline I used to work, business class was never oversold. He can inquire about paying for the upgrade to get a seat. Upgrades in my airline are very restricted and subject to many rules.
2007-07-12 18:55:32 · answer #2 · answered by jan_mnl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just because he doesn't have a seat, doesn't mean the flight is oversold. At some point, seat assignment goes to airport control so that babies can be accomodated, etc. However, if indeed the flight is oversold, then your bf will be one of the first to be bumped off (not up, but off). If the airline is to bump people up to business class, they will take their frequent flyers first. Then your bf get those people's coach seats. But during high season, business class is often sold out as well. I suggest your bf go early and be at the check-in counter when they open.
2007-07-12 18:45:12 · answer #3 · answered by averagebear 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This has happened to me lots.
Probably what this means is that they have blocked out the rest of the seats from getting assigned now so the people buying last minute (expensive) tickets can still get some of the prime window and aisle seats. Those of us buying the "cheap seats" get whatever is left over for seat assignments.
But, there are often a certain number of seats overbooked - they do less of it on the international flights, but I think they still overbook them some. So your boyfriend would be wise to get to the airport early to check in and confirm a seat assignment.
2007-07-12 18:38:01 · answer #4 · answered by Jennifer B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They always leave the escape hatch seats open until the passengers arrive. They need to see the individual who sits in those seats to make sure that they are able to help in an emergency. He might get lucky and get bumped up but only if he tickles the fancy of the counter girl. Don't worry. He'll make it.
2007-07-12 18:35:12 · answer #5 · answered by Traveler 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋