Long Haul Flight/not Seated Together

[Meg888]

Hi, I'm off on a long haul flight next week with my daughter who has learning difficulties. I know this may seem naïve, but I did not realise I had to pre-select & pay to be seated together (only ever flew Europe before and never had an issue). I booked this through my travel agent who only sent all ticket info a couple of weeks ago, it does state that you can pay, but not that you have to. When I've logged on there are no seats together, I'm extremely upset (and she will be also) that I have to sit apart from my daughter for 9 hours, she does not communicate well and relies on me to do it for her. I've been in touch with my travel agent who says basically there is nothing we can do, I've just had to pay £60 to ensure that we have one seat in front of the other so that we are not placed too far apart on the aircraft. They said we can mention it when we board in the hope that someone has cancelled. I'm upset that this has not been mentioned to me, they never said it was essential to do this - I would have had no issue paying that to ensure we sat together - can anyone advise, is there really nothing we can do? Thanks in advance.

[woofgang]

Have you spoken directly to the airline?

[EDDIE51]

I would wait until you get on the aircraft and explain the situation to the staff. Another passenger may well agree to swap seats with you.

[woofgang]

no, don't wait! Airlines can be helpful to people with special needs if they know ahead of time. They have much less flexibility if they aren't aware of the problem until you turn up on the day.

[Meg888]

Hi thanks for your answers, I haven't spoke to the airline direct as the Travel Agent said there's no point (extremely unhelpful witch!!) - I will definitely try that.

[TWR]

I would go with Woof on his answer, If the Airline are aware beforehand they will try to accommodate your needs, it's sad when this happens when you have to book & pay for your seats & sit together, another rip off.

[888]

Ask to speak to someone "higher up" than her (sounds like there must be loads!) who is in a position to sort this sympathetically for you. Today. Enjoy your trip.

[Ellipsis]

Your travel agent has created this problem, so it's no surprise she's continuing to provide a bad service to you. Definitely speak to the airline directly and get this sorted out.

Also, I've never been on a long-haul flight where you had to pay to be seated together. Yes, you have to book your seat ... but not pay for the privilege. Sometimes, if you buy well in advance, you may not be able to book your seats until later. So again, it may just be that the travel agent has failed to do her job properly and book your seats for you.

[mikey4444]

I am not sure why an airline would allocate 2 seats far from each other, for two tickets booked at the same time, by the same person ?

Why would they do that ?

[Meg888]

We've sorted it - yay! As some have mentioned, the airline were extremely helpful and have placed us together, both going & returning. It is a rip off though, the flights were initially booked last summer, and cost just over £2,000.00 and then they want more to guarantee seating us together? Needless to say I wont be using that travel agent again! Thanks for the advice though folks, I feel much better :-)

[rsvp]

Just out of interest Meg which airline are you flying with?

[saintpeter48]

I agree with Ellipsis, Never had to pay or been asked to pay for seats on a long haul, I travel long haul a couple of times a year. I always ask for an aisle seat and a couple of times when they haven't any aisle seats left i've asked to be upgraded, played the 'claustrophobia' card, and they've upgraded me, lovely jubbly!!

[Meg888]

I'm flying Thomson airlines - direct thankfully, so we don't have to worry about a similar problem on a connecting flight. A friend of mine has also said they've never had to pay on a long haul flight - and why should anyone? They cost enough!

[Ellipsis]

You should not have had to pay to book two seats together for a family on a long-haul flight!

You may have had to pay to change your seats, or obtain certain seats (e.g. extra legroom seats near the wing exit) that may have been the only ones available.

I think your travel agent has let you down quite badly here.

[mikey4444]

Meg...I agree with everybody that says that your travel agent has let you down. I think you should put in a written complaint.

Personally, I haven't used a travel agent for years. Its much easier to do everything in the 'net yourself, and judging by your story, is it any wonder that travel agents are going out of business ?

[rsvp]

Thanks Meg - I don't know that airline but the usual ones I use (Virgin/BA/Quantas) have always been brilliant about the very, very few seating problems I've ever had. Haven't used a travel agent for over 50 years though and always book , choose my seat and check in on line - so much easier. Nice to know Thomson Airlines look after their passengers though.

[fourteen85]

Meg, i think a return visit to your travel agent is now due

[Sycamore3House]

I have just purchased a long haul flight for my daughter using the airline website. I had to choose the seats as I booked at no extra cost. Maybe next time book yourself and choose your seats to give peace of mind.

[Canary42]

If you had to pay extra to the airline direct when they sorted it out (I'm not clear from your post whether you did have to) then I suggest you make the point very strongly (with subtle threat of court action etc etc) to the travel agent that they should compensate you since it was their mistake. You might get away with it, so why not give it a try.