Easyjet to trial allocated seating
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Easyjet to trial allocated seating
Hi, I have just been looking on the Easyjet site. Apparently they are going to trial allocated seating on certain routes from Spring 2012.
This can only be applauded
as I have always dreaded the scrum that happens pre flight.
All that remains to be seen is how much they can fleece their passengers for with something that always should have been included within the cost of the original ticket!
This can only be applauded
as I have always dreaded the scrum that happens pre flight.All that remains to be seen is how much they can fleece their passengers for with something that always should have been included within the cost of the original ticket!
Last edited by grumbles69; 19th Nov 2011 at 16:37.
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I had thought it was only Pikeyair that didn't allocate seats until I travelled on Easyjet for the first time earlier this year. Until they allocate seats it was also the last time.
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I have usually found the best approach when boarding EZY (I would sooner walk on my hands than use Pikeyair) is to wait until the front boarding scrum subsides and walk round to the back (usually possible when boarding from the tarmac). While the sheeple at the front are still fighting over places, I'm usually comfortably seated at the back in a window seat and three seats to myself!
When boarding from the jetway, I can still usually get through to the back. I don't quite understand why people fight to be in the front when there's loads of seating at the back.
That said, I'll gladly pay for allocated seating, it takes EZY up a notch or two from an already good level.
When boarding from the jetway, I can still usually get through to the back. I don't quite understand why people fight to be in the front when there's loads of seating at the back.
That said, I'll gladly pay for allocated seating, it takes EZY up a notch or two from an already good level.
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Allocated Seating
That's all good if you are a single traveler Capetonian.
I fully agree that Easyjet do have a somewhat poor reputation. I have traveled with them several times and always been relatively happy with the service and feel that the reputation is somewhat undeserved.
The problem I have which has always tarnished the experience is that my partner and I have two Autistic children. Outwardly they don't have any signs of their autism, but inside they are having absolute fits regarding the crowds and entering an aircraft which to them is a strange environment. Easyjet have never been interested in helping us out. We don't get priority boarding because the kids are 7 and 13. We could pay for speedy boarding but as has previously been pointed out, it's a bit of a con. We also need to sit together. Generally on a 319/320 my partner and youngest sit in front whilst my oldest and I sit behind. There is no way that we would allow ourselves to be in a situation of maybe having to sit a few rows away from each other as if the worst happened I would not want to be fighting a screaming cabin going against the flow of people to help my other family members. So, I hope that they do allocate seating as I for one would take advantage of it even if it does 'irk'
to pay extra. I just hope they trial it in July/August next year on their STN/DLM route!
I fully agree that Easyjet do have a somewhat poor reputation. I have traveled with them several times and always been relatively happy with the service and feel that the reputation is somewhat undeserved.The problem I have which has always tarnished the experience is that my partner and I have two Autistic children. Outwardly they don't have any signs of their autism, but inside they are having absolute fits regarding the crowds and entering an aircraft which to them is a strange environment. Easyjet have never been interested in helping us out. We don't get priority boarding because the kids are 7 and 13. We could pay for speedy boarding but as has previously been pointed out, it's a bit of a con. We also need to sit together. Generally on a 319/320 my partner and youngest sit in front whilst my oldest and I sit behind. There is no way that we would allow ourselves to be in a situation of maybe having to sit a few rows away from each other as if the worst happened I would not want to be fighting a screaming cabin going against the flow of people to help my other family members. So, I hope that they do allocate seating as I for one would take advantage of it even if it does 'irk'
to pay extra. I just hope they trial it in July/August next year on their STN/DLM route!
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On the whole I welcome this move as I personally find allocated seating better. Although, having said that, as a regular EZY traveller on various routes of theirs I have never had a problem getting the seat I want. On the vast majority of flights my family use they have never had issues sitting next to one another either. I honestly can't see how this will stop the scrum as people have become accustomed to it on EZY and other LCCs and will still continue to ignore gate calls and try and barge to the front. Even when joe public is told to use the back steps they will still crowd around the front steps.
Jet2, Flybe, bmibaby and various holiday charter airlines all have allocated seats but you still see people crowding round the boarding gate and faffing about inside the plane, often ignoring their seat allocation and just sitting wherever they want anyway, only to be moved on when the rightful occupant turns up. Even when you hear the staff calling by rows they still stand around and try and come forward, holding everyone else up. I'm not saying this doesn't happen on full service carriers, but it is definitely something which comes hand in hand with the LCCs.
This bit sounds like they will pre-allocate you a seat at the time of booking and then if you want to select another one then you have to pay. Fair enough, but the sceptic in me thinks that there will be a lot of people issued with middle seats on an empty flight in the hope that they will not like that and pay to move one to the left or right. 
Jet2, Flybe, bmibaby and various holiday charter airlines all have allocated seats but you still see people crowding round the boarding gate and faffing about inside the plane, often ignoring their seat allocation and just sitting wherever they want anyway, only to be moved on when the rightful occupant turns up. Even when you hear the staff calling by rows they still stand around and try and come forward, holding everyone else up. I'm not saying this doesn't happen on full service carriers, but it is definitely something which comes hand in hand with the LCCs.
Passengers who choose not to select a seat will be allocated a seat which they will know in advance of travel. Our ambition is to try and sit people on the same booking together although we know that sometimes this may not be possible.
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Grumbles69
Your case does allow for some priority in boarding. Currently, that would be after Speedy Boarding. In the Special Assistance Group. The code to quote in your case would be two DPNA passengers travelling with you. Check-in should put this SSR comment in the system so that the gate staff and Dispatcher will know about you and that information will be passed onto the Cabin Crew.
However, You do need to arrive at the gate in good time. Before boarding has commenced!
Your case does allow for some priority in boarding. Currently, that would be after Speedy Boarding. In the Special Assistance Group. The code to quote in your case would be two DPNA passengers travelling with you. Check-in should put this SSR comment in the system so that the gate staff and Dispatcher will know about you and that information will be passed onto the Cabin Crew.
However, You do need to arrive at the gate in good time. Before boarding has commenced!
Grumbles 69 thats correct. As you say, they often have no outward signs of their autism so it's perhaps a little unfair to blame the airline if you haven't told them.
I think the allocated seating idea is great and certainly will improve the product that is generally well liked by those who know. I'm all for it and hope that the trial will work. And it has to work for it to be rolled out fully.
However, some myths need to be put to bed. Firstly, comparatively very few flights have seating issues and the crew are generally fantastic at sorting this (I speak as a No.1 who rarely gets involved due to having to stay at doors 1) and the flight has to be almost jam packed 150+ (319) and 175+ (320). Even an overbooked flight usually leaves with a few spare seats. In fact, it's my belief that seat satisfaction is generally higher than allocated seating.
...But, the run up to the flight can be stressful. I think the "scrum" for most flights is a bit exaggerated. The main issue for me is the queuing for boarding, often before the inbound has arrived and for the bucket and spade routes there is generally the 'unknown' element that effects who perhaps don't fly very often.
Speedy Boarding. I've never been a huge fan of the product but 9/10 times it works. The 1/10 is generally the odd station that can't master the art of bussing the SB's. However, nearly all airports place SB's in a chained off area of the bus or at the front and are let off first using the appropriate door. Failing that they get their own bus. Some of the less resourced airports we fly to, such as PFO, manage to do that without issue. So bussing can and does work for speedy boarding.
I think the allocated seating idea is great and certainly will improve the product that is generally well liked by those who know. I'm all for it and hope that the trial will work. And it has to work for it to be rolled out fully.
However, some myths need to be put to bed. Firstly, comparatively very few flights have seating issues and the crew are generally fantastic at sorting this (I speak as a No.1 who rarely gets involved due to having to stay at doors 1) and the flight has to be almost jam packed 150+ (319) and 175+ (320). Even an overbooked flight usually leaves with a few spare seats. In fact, it's my belief that seat satisfaction is generally higher than allocated seating.
...But, the run up to the flight can be stressful. I think the "scrum" for most flights is a bit exaggerated. The main issue for me is the queuing for boarding, often before the inbound has arrived and for the bucket and spade routes there is generally the 'unknown' element that effects who perhaps don't fly very often.
Speedy Boarding. I've never been a huge fan of the product but 9/10 times it works. The 1/10 is generally the odd station that can't master the art of bussing the SB's. However, nearly all airports place SB's in a chained off area of the bus or at the front and are let off first using the appropriate door. Failing that they get their own bus. Some of the less resourced airports we fly to, such as PFO, manage to do that without issue. So bussing can and does work for speedy boarding.
PPRuNe Handmaiden
As far as I understand the new allocated system will be only a few seats - probably the "grey" ones or the emergency exit rows.
Paxing All Over The World
grumbles69
Really? Why 'should' it have been included? From their first day of operations, they did not include it, along with many other things like worthless FFM programmes. EZY set their own parameters - just like any other commercial company in any other line of business. If you don't like their offer, then do not buy it!
All that remains to be seen is how much they can fleece their passengers for with something that always should have been included within the cost of the original ticket!
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Paxboy, Agreed! There still seems to be many passengers expecting the old, traditional full service standards, without paying for it on a low cost carrier!
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Out of Trim,
Thank You for your advice. I will certainly try this next July.
Easyflyer,
We did tell them last time we flew. We even took documentary evidence but we were told that as they could walk we were not entitled to help.
The main problem is crowds really upset them. It wasn't so bad out of STN, but coming back through DLM it was chaos. Even the speedy borders couldn't get through the gate because everyone was surging forward! Thank You for your reply.
PAXBOY,
Blimey, I didn't want a fight!
I can't see why there should be a charge for a seat number. Surely it can't cost any extra to Easyjet? When I book I pay for a seat. Why can't that seat be numbered? It's not rocket science.
Out of Trim,
I thought it was a full service. After all, I purchase a drink and a Croque Monsieur mid flight!
Thank You for your advice. I will certainly try this next July.
Easyflyer,
We did tell them last time we flew. We even took documentary evidence but we were told that as they could walk we were not entitled to help.
The main problem is crowds really upset them. It wasn't so bad out of STN, but coming back through DLM it was chaos. Even the speedy borders couldn't get through the gate because everyone was surging forward! Thank You for your reply.
PAXBOY,
Blimey, I didn't want a fight!
I can't see why there should be a charge for a seat number. Surely it can't cost any extra to Easyjet? When I book I pay for a seat. Why can't that seat be numbered? It's not rocket science.
Out of Trim,
I thought it was a full service. After all, I purchase a drink and a Croque Monsieur mid flight!
Last edited by grumbles69; 19th Nov 2011 at 16:42.
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Easyflyer,
We did tell them last time we flew. We even took documentary evidence but we were told that as they could walk we were not entitled to help.
The main problem is crowds really upset them. It wasn't so bad out of STN, but coming back through DLM it was chaos. Even the speedy borders couldn't get through the gate because everyone was surging forward! Thank You for your reply.
We did tell them last time we flew. We even took documentary evidence but we were told that as they could walk we were not entitled to help.
The main problem is crowds really upset them. It wasn't so bad out of STN, but coming back through DLM it was chaos. Even the speedy borders couldn't get through the gate because everyone was surging forward! Thank You for your reply.
PAXBOY,
Blimey, I didn't want a fight!
I can't see why there should be a charge for a seat number. Surely it can't cost any extra to Easyjet? When I book I pay for a seat. Why can't that seat be numbered? It's not rocket science.
Blimey, I didn't want a fight!
I can't see why there should be a charge for a seat number. Surely it can't cost any extra to Easyjet? When I book I pay for a seat. Why can't that seat be numbered? It's not rocket science.
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Grumbles69, you're welcome!
Just for your information; If you can't get the DPNA information added at check-in for some reason, If you arrive early to the Gate. The Gate staff can still add this information at this late stage! Just come forward and explain the situation before boarding has commenced. Standard boarding at LGW is around -25 mins to departure. However, if the Crew and Dispatcher are ready before this, then it could well start earlier! So, I would try and reach the gate by at least -45 mins to departure if I were you!
As regards the allocated seating issue; easyJet's reservation system has never been set up for this. So, they will have to spend a considerable amount to create this capability. It would not only be a case of issuing seat numbers but, has weight and balance implications too. As this seating distribution would be used for the Final Loadsheet for Take-off trim settings. The system needs to be able to allocate seats in a sensible and balanced way! I look forward to seeing how the trials go!
Just for your information; If you can't get the DPNA information added at check-in for some reason, If you arrive early to the Gate. The Gate staff can still add this information at this late stage! Just come forward and explain the situation before boarding has commenced. Standard boarding at LGW is around -25 mins to departure. However, if the Crew and Dispatcher are ready before this, then it could well start earlier! So, I would try and reach the gate by at least -45 mins to departure if I were you!
As regards the allocated seating issue; easyJet's reservation system has never been set up for this. So, they will have to spend a considerable amount to create this capability. It would not only be a case of issuing seat numbers but, has weight and balance implications too. As this seating distribution would be used for the Final Loadsheet for Take-off trim settings. The system needs to be able to allocate seats in a sensible and balanced way! I look forward to seeing how the trials go!
Last edited by Out Of Trim; 19th Nov 2011 at 23:13.
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Out of Trim
Thank You for your detailed reply.
Without wanting to play devils advocate, Surely the current system of 'Free for All' at the gate doesn't allow for balancing issue's? People do after all sit where they like!
Please excuse this question if it seems obvious. Maybe I have just mis-understood.
Please could you explain the abbreviation 'DPNA'?
Without wanting to play devils advocate, Surely the current system of 'Free for All' at the gate doesn't allow for balancing issue's? People do after all sit where they like!
Please excuse this question if it seems obvious. Maybe I have just mis-understood.
Please could you explain the abbreviation 'DPNA'?
Easyflyer,
We did tell them last time we flew. We even took documentary evidence but we were told that as they could walk we were not entitled to help.
The main problem is crowds really upset them. It wasn't so bad out of STN, but coming back through DLM it was chaos. Even the speedy borders couldn't get through the gate because everyone was surging forward! Thank You for your reply.
We did tell them last time we flew. We even took documentary evidence but we were told that as they could walk we were not entitled to help.
The main problem is crowds really upset them. It wasn't so bad out of STN, but coming back through DLM it was chaos. Even the speedy borders couldn't get through the gate because everyone was surging forward! Thank You for your reply.
In effect they are giving us a seat number for nothing, but in order for us to change it...well that's where they are going to rake in the extra money. In addition to my middle seat theory from a previous post, I wonder if the booking system will track peoples seat selection habbits and deliberately NOT give them that seat, or kind of seat (window for example) in order to get an extra bit of cash out of them...I'd like to think that won't happen, perhaps more of an FR thing....but I'd not be surprised.
Really? Why 'should' it have been included? From their first day of operations, they did not include it, along with many other things like worthless FFM programmes. EZY set their own parameters - just like any other commercial company in any other line of business. If you don't like their offer, then do not buy it!
Having it all included is nice, especially if you actually use it but ultimately price is king as we all know. Easyjet has pretty high customer satisfaction scores but there are still many who have never flown with us and who are pleasantly surprised. Many of those passengers openly admit to have been dreading the flight. The fact that people book a flight and expect a poor experience demonstrates the monetary value people place on flying and their thirst for cheap flights in general.
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grumbles69
Current Weight & Balance based on Free-seating relies on an even spread of passengers throughout the cabin. The cabin crew may well move passengers to achieve this. This is fine on on full-ish or full flights etc. If the flight has a low load however, the cabin crew will count the exact number of passengers seated in certain cabin rows. The cabin is split into 3 bays A/B/C.
This seating distribution is then fed into the weight & balance notebook computer on the flight deck along with the number of Males/Females/Children/Infants and with details on hold baggage weights loaded into set holds of the aircraft.
The trim settings and Take-Off V speeds obtained are then entered into the aircrafts flight management computer.
If Allocated seating systems do not manage the aircraft passenger distribution in a sensible and balanced way; then the aircraft may be in a state in which it would be outside of the prescribed flight envelope on take-off!
ie. like my name, it would be considered Out of Trim! To get the aircraft back in trim, either passengers or baggage or indeed both may have to be moved with the inevitable delays this would cause!
Re DPNA is an IATA code.
SPECIAL SERVICE REQUEST (SSR) CODES
The following are the IATA codes applying to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility requiring assistance:
MEDA Passenger whose mobility is impaired due to clinical cases with medical pathology in progress, being authorised to travel by medical authorities. Such passenger usually has social coverage in relation to the illness or accident.
STCR Passenger who can only be transported on a stretcher. Such passenger may or may not have social protection or specific insurance.
WCHR Passenger who can walk up and down stairs and move about in an aircraft cabin, who requires a wheelchair or other means for movements between the aircraft and the terminal, in the terminal and between arrival and departure points on the city side of the terminal.
WCHS Passenger who cannot walk up or down stairs, but who can move about in an aircraft cabin and requires a wheelchair to move between the aircraft and the terminal, in the terminal and between arrival and departure points on the city side of the terminal.
WCHC Passenger who is completely immobile who can move about only with the help of a wheelchair or any other means and who requires assistance at all times from arrival at the airport to seating in the aircraft or, if necessary, in a special seat fitted to his/her specific needs, the process being inverted at arrival.
BLND Blind.
DEAF Passenger who is deaf or a passenger who is deaf without speech.
DEAF/BLND Passenger who is both deaf and blind, who can only move around with the help of an accompanying
person.
DPNA Disabled passenger with intellectual or developmental disability needing assistance.
Current Weight & Balance based on Free-seating relies on an even spread of passengers throughout the cabin. The cabin crew may well move passengers to achieve this. This is fine on on full-ish or full flights etc. If the flight has a low load however, the cabin crew will count the exact number of passengers seated in certain cabin rows. The cabin is split into 3 bays A/B/C.
This seating distribution is then fed into the weight & balance notebook computer on the flight deck along with the number of Males/Females/Children/Infants and with details on hold baggage weights loaded into set holds of the aircraft.
The trim settings and Take-Off V speeds obtained are then entered into the aircrafts flight management computer.
If Allocated seating systems do not manage the aircraft passenger distribution in a sensible and balanced way; then the aircraft may be in a state in which it would be outside of the prescribed flight envelope on take-off!
ie. like my name, it would be considered Out of Trim! To get the aircraft back in trim, either passengers or baggage or indeed both may have to be moved with the inevitable delays this would cause!
Re DPNA is an IATA code.
SPECIAL SERVICE REQUEST (SSR) CODES
The following are the IATA codes applying to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility requiring assistance:
MEDA Passenger whose mobility is impaired due to clinical cases with medical pathology in progress, being authorised to travel by medical authorities. Such passenger usually has social coverage in relation to the illness or accident.
STCR Passenger who can only be transported on a stretcher. Such passenger may or may not have social protection or specific insurance.
WCHR Passenger who can walk up and down stairs and move about in an aircraft cabin, who requires a wheelchair or other means for movements between the aircraft and the terminal, in the terminal and between arrival and departure points on the city side of the terminal.
WCHS Passenger who cannot walk up or down stairs, but who can move about in an aircraft cabin and requires a wheelchair to move between the aircraft and the terminal, in the terminal and between arrival and departure points on the city side of the terminal.
WCHC Passenger who is completely immobile who can move about only with the help of a wheelchair or any other means and who requires assistance at all times from arrival at the airport to seating in the aircraft or, if necessary, in a special seat fitted to his/her specific needs, the process being inverted at arrival.
BLND Blind.
DEAF Passenger who is deaf or a passenger who is deaf without speech.
DEAF/BLND Passenger who is both deaf and blind, who can only move around with the help of an accompanying
person.
DPNA Disabled passenger with intellectual or developmental disability needing assistance.
Paxing All Over The World
Not intending to be combative, grumbles69, it's just that EZY started their operation by not doing this. They have stated that it saves money and so, if they now change to make it an option - they can ask for money. Seats can be allocated manually at check-in by using stickers on a card, or in advance using software. Developing software to integrate with the existing booking system will cost money.
EZY started their operation by not doing this. They have stated that it saves money