Economy X [Domestic free for Platinum] - May 2017

[ozstamps]

I'd read that too, but my observations on 2 flights each week for the last 3 months have not been able to confirm this. As far as I can tell and sense, the divider hasn't moved (comparing against the windows) and I really don't believe row 3 has moved.

My weekly routine of closing all three windows each Monday morning has not changed at all (third window is accessed after reclining).

We flew row 3 yesterday on a 737 and seemed exactly as roomy as ever. All 3 windows were accessible if I had wanted to close them - I never do.

The economyx spiel mentions "reserved overhead bin space" or words to that effect. What is that about? Seemed like the usual free for all to me?

 

[JohnK]

On many of my flights with empty rows in YX, especially with row 6 full, people have moved and FAs have said nothing. If I had paid for the seats, rather than having access by virtue of being Platinum, I'd probably be inclined to say something to the FAs.

Do you feel the same about exit rows?

Qantas charges for exit rows and I try where possible to pre-allocate the exit row window with the protruding cowling that is complimentary. Someone sitting in the middle seat has paid for the privilege unless they managed to allocate the seat at check-in or in lounge.

EK charges for all seats unless you have status. I pre-allocate an aisle seat and at the airport I request an exit row. I am now 3/3 on getting exit row aisle at check-in and will try again in 3 days time on the BNE-SIN flight.

I don't quite understand the stance taken by the airline trying to protect these extra legroom seats if they have not been sold. There will be times when the aircraft will be full and some will get the extra legroom seats for free. Why bother protecting the seats when the flight's not full? Obviously the cash grab didn't work on this flight and I would much rather the FAs concentrated on important things rather than trying to protect seats.

 

[kevrosmith]

Do you feel the same about exit rows?

Qantas charges for exit rows and I try where possible to pre-allocate the exit row window with the protruding cowling that is complimentary. Someone sitting in the middle seat has paid for the privilege unless they managed to allocate the seat at check-in or in lounge.

EK charges for all seats unless you have status. I pre-allocate an aisle seat and at the airport I request an exit row. I am now 3/3 on getting exit row aisle at check-in and will try again in 3 days time on the BNE-SIN flight.

I don't quite understand the stance taken by the airline trying to protect these extra legroom seats if they have not been sold. There will be times when the aircraft will be full and some will get the extra legroom seats for free. Why bother protecting the seats when the flight's not full? Obviously the cash grab didn't work on this flight and I would much rather the FAs concentrated on important things rather than trying to protect seats.

Not necessarily disagreeing with you, though one could suggest the same in regard to Business Class seats: why not allow people to occupy them mid-flight if they didn't manage to sell them before take-off?

It's a new product on-board, and if people didn't purchase the product, should they be allowed to access it?

 

[zig]

What have your experiences been about people trying to moving into Economy X seats after take-off?

Between my partner and I, we've counted one flight with announcements telling people not to move into rows "1-5 or 13-14" and two without, but at least one case where cabin crew quietly told pax not to when they tried.

I reported upthread that the flight crew encouraged those of us seated in rows 6 and 7 to move up to the empty seats after take off. I didn't bother, and stayed where I was, but a few people did move. There weren't many passengers seated in rows 3 - 5 and perhaps they were platinum and hadn't 'paid' for the seats anyway.

 

[andyhui01]

I don't quite understand the stance taken by the airline trying to protect these extra legroom seats if they have not been sold. There will be times when the aircraft will be full and some will get the extra legroom seats for free. Why bother protecting the seats when the flight's not full? Obviously the cash grab didn't work on this flight and I would much rather the FAs concentrated on important things rather than trying to protect seats.

Getting it assigned and sitting in a seat that you were not assigned to are 2 different things. You might be sitting in a blocked seat so a CL/P1 can sleep across the row in Y (This normally happens in CX when I was a DM)

 

[JohnK]

Not necessarily disagreeing with you, though one could suggest the same in regard to Business Class seats: why not allow people to occupy them mid-flight if they didn't manage to sell them before take-off?

It's a new product on-board, and if people didn't purchase the product, should they be allowed to access it?

Point taken but is it really a new product? First, business, premium economy all have dedicated cabins. With this new "product" you're trying to protect 3 rows up the front of economy and 2 rows in the middle of economy. To most people they are all the same and they have no idea these are extra legroom seats.

They've extracted all the money they can extract for the flight. In my opinion I would rather the FAs concentrated on other things such as getting through the cart service not who has jumped seats.

 

[serfty]

Point taken but is it really a new product? First, business, premium economy all have dedicated cabins. With this new "product" you're trying to protect 3 rows up the front of economy and 2 rows in the middle of economy. To most people they are all the same and they have no idea these are extra legroom seats.

They've extracted all the money they can extract for the flight. In my opinion I would rather the FAs concentrated on other things such as getting through the cart service not who has jumped seats.

Simple.

If people can just move up FoC if not sold then they will be less inclined to pay for it. So VA need to protect the product.

I just spend a week fling C+ around on Delta - those in C+ have access to complimentary bar service where provided. Those down the back have to pay. The FA's do not let people move.

 

[donovan301]

Simple.

If people can just move up FoC if not sold then they will be less inclined to pay for it. So VA need to protect the product.

.

Indeed, Where else can you move to a Premium product just because the seat is empty?

Certainly not a Concert, Opera, 1st class train ....for that matter a Planes J seats.

I figure it's a bit harder to police unless they provide a barrier, unless they use the obvious options available....

whether it be a tassled rope or an observant FA

 

[kevrosmith]

I might start asking the CSM, on boarding the flight, if they permit passengers to move into unoccupied YX seats. Firstly, it would be interesting to observe their response, and secondly, it would at least put the topic in front of mind for them.

I should state though, I don't mind if people are allocated seats prior to boarding by any method, whether paid, status or a freebie through staff allocation or system glitches or loopholes, nor through an FA-determined "Op-up" on board, I'm just a bit more wary of pax providing themselves a self-determined semi Op-up, particularly and/or especially when they don't ask for permission first.

 

[Lemon_Party]

Indeed, Where else can you move to a Premium product just because the seat is empty?

Brisbane Roar games at Laing Park for one - though many would argue there isn't much of a premium product to move to...

But I agree with the sentiment...

 

[donovan301]

Brisbane Roar games at Laing Park for one - though many would argue there isn't much of a premium product to move to...

But I agree with the sentiment...

Roflmao.........

 

[andyhui01]

I had an interesting experience in X on Friday. (MEL-SYD)

Opened up for boarding on time and I was supposed to have the row to myself. I noticed that a couple boarded 5 mins before scheduled departure and thought that's weird, they held the plane for them. About 5 mins later, about 10 people boarded and they were all seated in Economy X which meant It was now a full cabin around me. I have a feeling it was a late arrival from Tasmania and they just allocated seats in X as the empty seats further back must have been all singles.

 

[kevrosmith]

The plot thickens...

This was the on-departure seating arrangement on the flight this morning. Platinum pax in 3F and 4A. Can't say for 3ABC, but A was solo and BC a couple. Surprised they didn't spread out.



3 pax moved themselves into each of the spare rows respectively in YX.

While waiting to get off the plane, I asked the FA if they tend to protect the seats in YX. They indicated they do, but not on planes that don't yet have the product installed. They seemed to imply that not all aircraft have it yet, despite the overhead locker next to us having Economy X stickers plastered everywhere. I suggested that that the fitout had been completed (that's right, isn't it?) and that it was poor that pax who had paid for the product were at a disadvantage.

I wonder how crew are determining whether they think YX is available on an aircraft or not. Seems their criteria is failing so far.

 

[andyhui01]

3 pax moved themselves into each of the spare rows respectively in YX.

While waiting to get off the plane, I asked the FA if they tend to protect the seats in YX. They indicated they do, but not on planes that don't yet have the product installed.

I wonder how crew are determining whether they think YX is available on an aircraft or not. Seems their criteria is failing so far.

I know this sounds evil but I wish an airline would just automatically charge the CC on file used to purchase the ticket when they help themselves. ie. Use the PB lane when not entitled, sure welcome onboard, $10 automatically billed.

Sit in an empty X seat, just walk up to the customer with an iPad, get them to sign. When they ask what for, tell them its to authorise $29 being charged to your CC for an Economy X upgrade.

Wait outside the J toilets and get the Y pax to sign for $20 premium toilet fee

Virgin better serve Popcorn instead of a cookie so I can enjoy my entertainment as that happens.

**PS: To those that took this post seriously, this was meant to be a joke **

 

[ap_spd]

Philippines Airlines does carry a POS Machine and charges if you find a better seat

 

[Pleb Status]

Philippines Airlines does carry a POS Machine and charges if you find a better seat

3K also charges onboard if you wish to upgrade to an exit row seat after take off. Certainly stops the self upgraders...

 

[pauly7]

Syd/Mel today - people moved into X seats and FA's didn't bat an eyelid... I understand it must be an uncomfortable conversation for them but they need to help the FA crew with training to help them manage these situations I think

 

[Pleb Status]

With QF announcing today that they are now going to charge their WP for exit row seating on all of their flights, this makes YX even more valuable to VA WP.

I just hope that VA do not follow QF down this route and use YX as a true differentiator for WP between the two programs.

 

[serfty]

Top level WP1 don't pay, while second tier (WP) do, so there's a similar differentiator.

 

[kevrosmith]

With QF announcing today that they are now going to charge their WP for exit row seating on all of their flights, this makes YX even more valuable to VA WP.

I just hope that VA do not follow QF down this route and use YX as a true differentiator for WP between the two programs.

I hope that VA start to enforce YX a bit more now then... and stop people from Self-upgrading.