Assign Seat at Gate?

Question

I booked a flight back in Jan for my fiancé and I . We're going on a cruise Friday . Arriving a day early . Went to go check in for the flight and I was able to get seats on the first flight ( different seats tho :/ ) and Second flight it said we would be assigned seats at the gate ! This flight is 5 hours after the first one . I'm so worried we won't get a seat ! As soon as I get off the first flight where do I go to get a seat assignment ?! In Alanta . Do I literally wait Til the moment we board the plane to get a seat assignment ??

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

yes

Answer 4

yes

Answer 5

For some airlines, this actually means the flight is overbooked and those without seat assignments will be the first to be bumped off.

Answer 6

You don't say the airline(s) involved, but this is actually fairly normal so I would not worry about it.



If your 2nd flight is on a smaller "regional" carrier they may not be set up to do on-line seat assignments, where everyone gets their assignment at the gate. It is becoming rare that this is the case but it still happens. Another case is when they need to swap out aircraft type and because of the different configuration need to reassign several people.



Most major airlines will "open" the flight about 60 minutes before the flight, if you are on a smaller carrier they may not be there until 45 minutes before. I would plan to get to the gate closer to the 60 minutes, as the worst thing is you will be there a few minutes waiting for them to arrive.



If this is just a case where all of the open seats were taken, you will still get a seat. But like your first flight they may not be together.



You could also try at your original departure airport to go to the check-in counter pre-security and see if they can assign you seats at that point. Again sometimes they can, sometimes they can't. This is the same place you will drop off your checked bags.



As another tip I would suggest looking at the flight information board as soon as you arrive off of your first flight. Find the gate for your next flight and be in that area so you have an idea of where it is. After that you do not need to be back at the gate until as I mentioned about an hour before your flight so you are free to go get something to eat or walk around.

Answer 7

You might get seats when you check in for the first flight or you'll get them at the gate of the second

This is common when all of the free seat assignments have been booked. Don't worry, you will get seats though not necessarily together. You can leave your football helmet and pads at home.

When you check in, you may have the option to upgrade to economy plus or preferred seats for a fee. You can probably do that now. Yes, it sucks to pay for seat assignments but if it gives you peace if mind, it might be worth the extra fee and you may be able to get seats together.

Answer 8

As soon as an agent gets to the gate, talk to them.



It is highly unlikely you won't get a seat...but as stated, you'll be assigned a seat AT the gate. If there is no agent at the gate when you arrive (which is highly likely with a 5-hour layover as agents usually don't get to the gates until half an hour or so before a flight) you can either wait for them at the gate...or hit one of the restaurants or bars in the airport to wait.



So, in all, yes, you will have to "literally wait until the moment you board" to get a seat assignment.



Different airlines have different policies, though. Some do this to allow their premium/platinum (the special "card holding") members a better seating option...some do it for weight distribution (this is more true for smaller planes with few passengers)...and there are a couple other reasons, too...but it RARELY means that you won't get a seat.

Answer 9

You go to the gate for the new flight and check-in with the person there. There should be somebody there about 45 or 30 minutes before the flight. He or she will give you the seat assignments.

Answer 10

yes

Answer 11

yes

Answer 12

You can actually even ask someone at the ticketing counter at your first departure airport if you want. If you are flying Delta, then they have some help desks in the concourses at Atlanta, where you could get some help during that 5-hr window. If not, then you wait until someone is at your gate and ask them. There will probably be a few planes that depart from that gate during your layover time; you don't necessarily have to wait until the agents are there for your flight, but you do want to wait until they are no longer taking care of passengers for whatever flight is boarding or about to board at that time. Someone is usually at the counter 45-60 minutes before a flight boards, so be sure you are ready to talk to someone at least by that time.