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Delta -no seat assignment

lake elmo
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1 post
6 reviews
Delta -no seat assignment
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Just booked two tickets on Delta from MSP to Jamacia. There were no seats to select, only upgrade options. Wondering if we should be concerned about getting seat assignments?

Bangkok, Thailand
Destination Expert
for Bangkok, Air Travel, Thailand
Level Contributor
16,382 posts
62 reviews
240 helpful votes
1. Re: Delta -no seat assignment
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Hi,

I don't think so..

Remember that while *most* people do get the chance to or do use the advance seat request (they're requests not rights) most airlines or DL's size and structure, don't do that to 100% of the aircraft's total seat count.

They'll "hold back" some percentage of the seats-- and where those seats are is also something they'll look at-- so that their local airport agents have seat "inventory" to use if they discover a seating problem or otherwise.

For a carrier like DL to book to 100% of the aircraft capacity would effectively "paint them into a corner" if they then ran into a special needs situation or similar.

Either check-in online (if possible) early or get to the airport early to have the best chance of seats that remain for day-of-departure assignment.

Remember that between now and departure time people will cancel their reservation (and therefore seats), upgrades from Economy to higher cabins will occur (and again seats will open up in Econ) and on the day of actual departure, some people will mis-connect due to a delay with their earlier flight-- all of these scenarios will add/change the seat count and availability.. So what you see now will change as departure draws closer.

Travel Safe,

Edited: 11 years ago
Park City, Utah
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25,663 posts
428 reviews
220 helpful votes
2. Re: Delta -no seat assignment
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You might also call Delta to see if they can release a seat for you. Otherwise you'll need to manage at the airport.

3. Re: Delta -no seat assignment

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Centerville, Ohio
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16,507 posts
3,310 reviews
4,483 helpful votes
4. Re: Delta -no seat assignment
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Yes, a very potential problem!

Delta always overbooks.

You MUST always choose your seating at time of purchase.

Maryland
Destination Expert
for Las Vegas, Washington DC, County Donegal, Western Ireland
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80,406 posts
49 reviews
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5. Re: Delta -no seat assignment
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This post is from January. Nothing new here. Every airline overbooks.

Too bad the OP never came back to tell us how they made out. I have a feeling it wasn't an issue or we would have seen a rant by now.

6. Re: Delta -no seat assignment

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Elk Rapids, Michigan
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11,350 posts
55 reviews
130 helpful votes
7. Re: Delta -no seat assignment
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"You MUST always choose your seating at time of purchase"

Sorry savantill but Delta now has a new booking class. "E" and if you use that (it is the cheapest) you can not pre select your seats. I have been flying Delta for a long time and have only seen a few instances of overbooking and they usually happen when there is a last minute equipment change.

If the OP did not book "E" class then possibly there are only the hold back seats for premire and they will be released before the flight.

Maryland
Destination Expert
for Las Vegas, Washington DC, County Donegal, Western Ireland
Level Contributor
80,406 posts
49 reviews
112 helpful votes
8. Re: Delta -no seat assignment
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The OP has been back from their trip for 4 months.

Cowes, United...
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5 posts
9 reviews
4 helpful votes
9. Re: Delta -no seat assignment
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Delta's seat assingment system totally sucks. We weren't offered the option to get pre-assigned seats and ended up sitting apart on our first ever trip to the USA. Won't ever be flying Delta again.

Edited: 10 years ago
Maryland
Destination Expert
for Las Vegas, Washington DC, County Donegal, Western Ireland
Level Contributor
80,406 posts
49 reviews
112 helpful votes
10. Re: Delta -no seat assignment
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So let us know which airline you choose next time. I mean, the one that guarantees that you will be seated together.