Seats on NW/KL

[cruisintwinsmom]

Flying coach to DTW-AMS (return AMS-MEM) in May. Only a handful of seats have been reserved and there seems to be a lot of tix still to be sold (9's in many fare classes). My question is: are people holding out to reserve those "P" seats 24 hours prior to departure? I want to sit in the front of coach for the seats that have a power source, but for 2 of us to sit there we need seats D,E which leave the 2 "P" seats on either side; it is my impression that I can't pay for a "P" until 24 hours before. Another question: Should I wait to hold my seats? Am really dumbfounded by the number of seats available.

 

Thanks in advance for your help with this matter.

[CruisinMatt]

I always grab a seat and then 24 hours before purchase either a P seat or an emergency row seat if available and never had a problem.

[cruisintwinsmom]

Thanks, Cruisinmatt. Took 2 seats in the middle of a 4 seat row. What are the chances that the 2 end seats will be picked?

[joelmarj]

If there are other rows where the two middle are open, your chances are better because people will likely want to pick a row with an open seat next to them vs. a filled seat. Just keep checking and you can maybe move around if you see someone takes it.

[cruisintwinsmom]

joelmarg, thanks for the input. That's what I plan on doing, but couldn't quite figure out why no one has reserved seats--didn't want to jump too soon.

[jimc_usa]

Flying coach to DTW-AMS (return AMS-MEM) in May. Only a handful of seats have been reserved and there seems to be a lot of tix still to be sold (9's in many fare classes). My question is: are people holding out to reserve those "P" seats 24 hours prior to departure? I want to sit in the front of coach for the seats that have a power source, but for 2 of us to sit there we need seats D,E which leave the 2 "P" seats on either side; it is my impression that I can't pay for a "P" until 24 hours before. Another question: Should I wait to hold my seats? Am really dumbfounded by the number of seats available.

 

Thanks in advance for your help with this matter.

 

The "P" seat is a Premium seat only available for NW/SKY Team elite frequent flyers. There are exit row (and "special") seats that are available(within 24 hours) for purchase, but under normal circumstances you cannot purchase a "P" seat.

[cruisintwinsmom]

The "P" seat is a Premium seat only available for NW/SKY Team elite frequent flyers. There are exit row (and "special") seats that are available(within 24 hours) for purchase, but under normal circumstances you cannot purchase a "P" seat.

 

 

OK, I see. Was confusing "P" with "$C". So what's the chances of 52 elite FF coming in and taking those seats. As I have no option of getting the seats, do I move back and take seats that have no power source to opt for an aisle seat. (I know if is probably person preference). Thanks for the clarification. Any advice? Do FF wait to the last minute to book seats?

[FlyerTalker]

For some clarification, just what seats are you holding now? I'll give some NW recommendations with that info in hand.

[cruisintwinsmom]

For some clarification, just what seats are you holding now? I'll give some NW recommendations with that info in hand.

 

 

Right now we have 15D,F and 16D,F on both TATL flights. With 2 thoughts in mind 1) if no one fills in then we can stretch out, and 2) most importantly, it gets us into the first part of coach with the power ports. I would have just used 2 seats --1 window, 1 aisle, rather than hogging the middle of a 4, but in that part of the plane the aisle seat is a "P" so it impossible for me to do.

[cruisintwinsmom]

Right now we have 15D,F and 16D,F on both TATL flights. With 2 thoughts in mind 1) if no one fills in then we can stretch out, and 2) most importantly, it gets us into the first part of coach with the power ports. I would have just used 2 seats --1 window, 1 aisle, rather than hogging the middle of a 4, but in that part of the plane the aisle seat is a "P" so it impossible for me to do.

 

I should add, although you probably already know, that is is an Airbus330-300. Flyertalker, I did go to flytalk to try to figure out the answer to my question, even with searching I had no luck. Thanks.

[FlyerTalker]

I would stick with exactly what you have. Flights across the pond are pretty full (so don't get hope up for stretching out), and it seems that having the powerport is pretty important to you. You will not be able to pre-reserve any of the "P" seats in the section with the powerports, so take what you have.

 

If I can sum it up, you would like to get 1) seats with powerports, 2) two seats together, 3) seats designated "P". Unless you have elite status, or are on a high-fare ticket, that won't happen right now. You were able to get the first two desires.

 

Keep an eye on the seatmap as you get closer to your departure. Know what seats you would like to switch to.

 

When the time comes for OLCI, do it at the 24 hour mark. See if the computer system will let you change your seats - if so, do so and complete the OLCI. If not, don't check in online. Wait until you get to the airport and see if you can change seats to your aisle seats when you check-in at the kiosk (NW does almost all check-ins through the kiosks). This will mean that you have more waiting time at the airport - you'll be in a check-in line rather than just a bag check queue. But it is a price for the flexibility. If the kiosk says no - go ahead with the check-in.

 

At the gate area, politely ask the gate agent if it might be possible to change your seat from the middle to the aisle. Especially remember the politely part -- this agent has the power to either help you or brush you aside on this request, so use your best people skills. They are not required to move non-elites into elite seating. Also time it so that they aren't being interrupted. Think how you would like to be approached for a "favor" and translate that back. Your best shot, IMO, is to ask for one of you to move to the aisle seat next to the other one, so you are in CD or FG. If you have kept an eye on the seatmaps, you should know what to ask for.

 

All in all, being in 15 or 16 is pretty good. You are in the section with power, and you'll deplane the aircraft before many other pax. The AVOD on the 330 is one of the best out there. Be aware of the issues with onboard power before you plug in your "device" - for example, have a fully charged battery before using the power -- there isn't enough current to both charge and run a laptop. If you used it on a flight into DTW (or AMS), charge up in the gate area before boarding. Also know that there is limited underseat storage for seats A&D&F&J due to the AVOD boxes under the seat. Limits legroom for stretching out, too.

 

Hope this helps out....post any other questions/details you'd like info on. BTW, be sure to check out the small art museum in the airport at AMS (and avoid the casino - lousy rules for a big house edge). Go to www.schiphol.nl for lots of info on AMS.

[cruisintwinsmom]

Thanks FlyerTalker. You pretty well summed it up. I understand that Elites should get priority, so am not complaining, just wanted to make sure I'm doing things as I should. Why are there so many seats available; we leave in 7-8 weeks, and there are about 50 seats in the front section of coach outbound and about 35 coming back. Do FF's wait to get their seat assignments?

 

If I do OLCI, then where do I check my bags? The only time we have done this is when we only had carry-ons. Same with the kiosk--do we give our luggage to the sky caps outside? OK, after I wrote this question, I see you have answered it in a different thread.

 

Will catch the museum. Thanks for the tip about the casino--house odds make all the difference in the betting world.

 

Thank you for all your help---it is much appreciated!!!

[FlyerTalker]

If I do OLCI, then where do I check my bags? The only time we have done this is when we only had carry-ons. Same with the kiosk--do we give our luggage to the sky caps outside? OK, after I wrote this question, I see you have answered it in a different thread.

Did a little more research for you....if you are flying out of SDF, there is no dedicated OLCI baggage drop kiosk. So you will be in the same line, no matter what. Since you are on an international itinerary, you can't do curbside check-in. But the crowds at SDF for NW flights shouldn't be too bad.

 

As for the seatmaps being so "empty"....there is still plenty of time to sell those seats for May. Also, pax who bought them early on may not have any assignment, as they wouldn't have been able to pick a seat further out than 90 days. Many may just assume they are getting a seat, while the computers are just letting them stay unassigned until much closer to departure.

 

Glad to have been of some help...enjoy your journey!

[cruisintwinsmom]

Thanks flyertalker, for all your help! Your information on these boards in invaluable.

 

Safe travels!