Prebooking seats

robbiewilliams

What are people's thoughts on doing this? 4 of us flying, 2 of which are children -9 and 6 years. I prebooked last year, but can't help thinking it's a con!

Doshwaster

robbiewilliams wrote: »

What are people's thoughts on doing this? 4 of us flying, 2 of which are children -9 and 6 years. I prebooked last year, but can't help thinking it's a con!

It depends on the airline and how bothered you are with where you sit.

zagfles

They won't let young children sit alone but you might be split 2+2 or 3+1, are you really that bothered? There was a long thread about this a few weeks ago https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4631177

robbiewilliams

Thanks will read that. I am not bothered about us being split as a family but I am bothered if my children are split from one their parents.

Westin

Then for peace of mind why not pay to sit together.

zagfles

Westin wrote: »

Then for peace of mind why not pay to sit together.

Because there's no need. See the previous thread.

opinions4u

I'd pay for extra leg room if the price was fair.

I wouldn't pay to sit together when 99 times out of a hundred a family will be sat together anyway.

Doshwaster

robbiewilliams wrote: »

Thanks will read that. I am not bothered about us being split as a family but I am bothered if my children are split from one their parents.

No airline will split up young children from a parent.

Otherwise, as I said at the start, it depends on the airline seating policies to what the charges are. Most scheduled carriers will open up all of their seats for booking at T-24 so you could grab the ones you want for free then.

If you kids are prone to fight then a 2 + 2 split may be better for you (and other passengers). Some parents prefer a 3 + 1 split so that one of them can have a peaceful sleep while the other childminds - then swap positions later.

nickcc

Booked with BA last year for 7 of us to Orlando, didn't bother to pay the extra on the outward journey. When it became time for the on line check in there were very few seats together only the odd ones and twos which were rapidly being snapped up. We ended up with most of us spread throughout economy and only my Wife and myself seated together. On our return I paid the extra to book the seats, I would suggest that you use the on line book in as soon as it opens or pay to reserve your seats. Strangely we have never had a problem with the low cost airlines when we book for our group as we are always seated together (obviously the ones where your seats are pre booked ).

[Deleted User]

nickcc wrote: »

When it became time for the on line check in there were very few seats together

Did you do it as soon as online check-in opened, or did you leave a few hours?

zagfles

nickcc wrote: »

Booked with BA last year for 7 of us to Orlando, didn't bother to pay the extra on the outward journey. When it became time for the on line check in there were very few seats together only the odd ones and twos which were rapidly being snapped up. We ended up with most of us spread throughout economy and only my Wife and myself seated together. On our return I paid the extra to book the seats, I would suggest that you use the on line book in as soon as it opens or pay to reserve your seats. Strangely we have never had a problem with the low cost airlines when we book for our group as we are always seated together (obviously the ones where your seats are pre booked ).

Surprised BA charge for booking seats long haul! Do they charge for meals & drinks too?