Flight Question regarding seating...not kid related

[dancingirl21]

DH and I are going to Washington DC in November for our first trip alone together since having J. 

We booked a flight a few weeks ago but didn't select seats because the only seats "available" are at the very back of the plane (literally last row). It's a very small regional jet with about 40 seats total and half of them seem to be reserved for preferred seating. There are probably around 16 seats available for economy and all but these two are not available to select. 

What happens if we don't choose seats? Will they just split us up wherever there is room?

Silly question, I know, but I'm wondering if we should just bite the bullet and sit in the back together.

[drloretta]

I would call the airline and ask. I had an issue with this when I flew American last month. In my case the only available seats were more $. When I called they said the seat assignments were controlled by the airport at that point, and there would be (free) open seats available when I checked in at the airport.

[dancingirl21]

Aug 5, 2015 14:17:49 GMT -5 drloretta said:

I would call the airline and ask. I had an issue with this when I flew American last month. In my case the only available seats were more $. When I called they said the seat assignments were controlled by the airport at that point, and there would be (free) open seats available when I checked in at the airport.

This is also an American flight. I've never seen half the plane as preferred seating before.

[momin2013]

I only have experience with major airlines and large planes, but IME when looking at available seats at the time of booking they only show a handul of them free, but when I've gone to check-in online 24 hours before, a lot more seats are available. I've never known why this is, but it almost always seems to be the case, and DH and I have never reserved seats before checking in and have always been able to get seats together.

[drloretta]

Aug 5, 2015 14:19:38 GMT -5 dancingirl21 said:

Aug 5, 2015 14:17:49 GMT -5 drloretta said:

I would call the airline and ask. I had an issue with this when I flew American last month. In my case the only available seats were more $. When I called they said the seat assignments were controlled by the airport at that point, and there would be (free) open seats available when I checked in at the airport.

This is also an American flight. I've never seen have the plane as preferred seating before.

Neither have I. But I typically avoid American like the plague. This was a work trip and it was a disaster from start to finish.

[dancingirl21]

Aug 5, 2015 14:21:05 GMT -5 drloretta said:

Aug 5, 2015 14:19:38 GMT -5 dancingirl21 said:

This is also an American flight. I've never seen have the plane as preferred seating before.

Neither have I. But I typically avoid American like the plague. This was a work trip and it was a disaster from start to finish.

Super. Lol. It was significantly cheaper than United, which is why we did it. We figured for a 2 hour flight and just the two of us, it would be fine.

[Deleted]

I would book the seats together in the back and then keep looking as the flight gets closer to see if you can move them. I usually fly united but you can change your seat until check in. As it gets closer the people with status will move to the prefered area and seats will open up.

[thejen626]

Book the seats in the back. Check in online 24 hours before, and most likely, they'll offer you an "upgrade option" for $25 or $50 to a better seat.

[Deleted]

I think they'll just give you seats when you check in. They may or may not be together.

[longtimenopost]

My guess is better seating will open up 24 hrs before. If you are gold status on American, you can get a free upgrade to "preferred" seating or "main cabin extra" when checking in 24 hours before the flight. Those people will move.

[majesty318]

This happened to me on recent American flights, too. I reserved the random 2 seats available. I always check in right at 24 hours, and suddenly there were tons free, including exit rows, which apparently still don't require additional charge on American.