Englishmum

Oh dear....this begins on 7th October!

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standa...t-selection.do

I wonder how long it will be before they start charging for alcoholic drinks similar to all of the US airlines.....?

Sally Redux

I liked this comment: "On the plus side this may mean my kids are sitting next to someone else on our half term flight this year so maybe not all bad"

We find BA the best airline UK-US but will have to see how this actually works as to whether we use them.

exvj

So this means I could be sat next to some some hot chick instead of my wife ? (also a hot chick but I dont notice as much as I should). That's terrible !
On the other hand, have you noticed that 350lbs mountains of blubber tend to travel together - they must have the same eating habits/chip pan - so this could split em up - one on each side of me ! I had that last year and they both flobbled over into my space and I couldnt get my arms on the rests as there was a ham shank sized arm there already. I am quite broad and 6ft (196lbs), so I was squeezed like I was sleeping in a shed full of flatulent elephant seals. BA, Heathrow - Seattle, well at least they will both have got my cold.

lansbury

All they are doing is charging to allow you to reserve seats at time of booking. Something you cannot do now.

At the moment you can only reserve seats 24 hours before departure. You will still be able to do that for free.

What's the problem?

lansbury

I always manage that. Just reserve the wife a seat in economy and your own in business

exvj

I had a problem coming back last time in July. I didnt have my a laptop with me so I didnt log on 24 hours before the return and we got split up for the 10 hour flight when we checked in at the airport
I am going again in 2 weeks so i will take the laptop for sure and check in 23hrs and 59 mins before departure
That was nothing to do with this latest change so getting split up has been going on a while now....perhaps they have been doing it to soften people up for this new charge - get a few horror stories going around then people will pay it. Us tighto Yorkshire types will still try and get seated together for free 24 hours before, but their website is always slow and drops out so its a gamble

Jerseygirl

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=632537

Steerpike

Are you a writer? You should be! That's a fun read!

-------------
I've been flying SF-Phoenix on a regular basis recently and actually appreciate the fact that for $10 extra I can get an up-front aisle or window seat on US Airways. United charge $25 though ...

exvj

Aisle seats provide a quick getaway when the plane lands - and also I can go walkies without disturbing everyone.

However, if the window person has a weak bladder, I can be woken or disturbed every few minutes. I guess it's the luck of the draw. I think aisle seats should be allocated on the basis of people's lower 'bladder endurance index' and window seats on their lower body mass index.
Transvestites should be pre - declared to assist with seating unaccompied children and required to wear a prominent sticker which says 'I am a geezer really'. Persons with heavy colds should be provided with sterilized motorcycle crash helmets and then shrink wrapped at the gate. Persons who's religion requires them to rock back and forth and wail etc while praying, should be required to do it in the toilets as it makes other people travel sick.

Let's face it, I am going to have to try harder at my investments so I can afford my own Lear jet - then I can Leer at the assorted multitude as they trudge down the loading bridge for that 10 hour flight, nor knowing what horrors they will have to face

I would rather be sat in economy with someone inobtrusive, than in first class with one of those described or a hyped up rock group or Diana Ross etc - it really is all down to luck

AmerLisa

I've yet to make a quick getaway off of a plane, regardless where I sat. However, have to agree with you, at least an aisle seat provides you with a bit more freedom.

Orangepants

I was upgraded last week on a flight to Cayman just 2 mins before the flight took off (no idea why) guess they just had a space in FC. So had to disturb my fellow travellers collect my belongings etc as I had window seat. Got put next to a fat, leering, smelly, sweaty businessman who sniffed every 15 seconds whilst trying out the corniest pick up lines... I got my G&T and asked to move back to my original seat!!
I really wouldnt mind flying if it wasn't for the other passengers.

Steerpike

On the Phoenix/San Francisco route that has become my regular gig, I travel with nothing but a back-pack (fully stocked wardrobe at both ends!). If I sit in the front row(s), I can be on the freeway at the published landing time if the plane makes good headway; it's pretty amazing really. I don't know why they write it up as a 2hr flight; it's usually landed in 1.5, and I'm fully clear of the airport by 2 hrs.

And even though I've been flying for decades, I still get a massive thrill out of looking out the window, especially when flying into/out of SF - the hills, the fog, the ocean ... I can never get enough of it from the air. And 'any' city at night looks fascinating. For longer trips, though, I always go aisle at this point.

Steerpike

What was the movie / novel (googling now ...) ... 'Accidental Tourist' (Anne Tyler - great novel and movie!) - the relevant tip was, always travel with a book, so you can bury your head in it and avoid conversation. Modern-day variation - always carry an ipod / wear headphones so you can ignore your neighbor.

AmerLisa

SEA to LAX is usually published as 2.5 I think, but it never has taken that long....usually 2 hours. Wonder why they do that....

lansbury

Allows them 30 minutes for sitting in the takeoff line and still be on time