One leg of my United itinerary uses Austrian Air, and I can't get seat assignments until I arrive in Newark from Indianapolis. I have a 4 hour layover. Is there any reason not to go to the departures counter when I arrive and try to get seat assignments? I have never before gone outside of security when I have been in-transit. That's why I'm asking. Thanks for your help.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23574 posts
I would look for a help counter, even from United, behind security before going outside of security. Obviously the earlier you can get an assigned the seat the better.
Posted by
San Leandro, CA, USA
518 posts
I've had something similar happen to me before. I booked a flight from San Francisco to Rome, via Frankfurt. All segments of the flight were on Lufthansa, but the flight was booked through United (because I purchased the flight with United miles). United was not able to give me a seat assignment but I had no problem calling Lufthansa directly and getting a seat assignment that way. Just have all your numbers handy: ticket number and booking number and be aware that with code share flight or flights on one airline booked via another airline, the booking numbers might be different.
Posted by
OP
12 posts
KC, I did try that. United gave me the booking number I needed to call Austrian Air. When I called, they found my reservation, but reiterated that seat assignments would be given out at the gate. Bummer! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Frank, thank you for your suggestion, as well. One thing I love about this forum is that people give you ideas you hadn't thought of yourself. Your comment had me thinking "why didn't I think of that?" Thanks, again; I'll try customer service before leaving the secure area.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9109 posts
You can't do advanced seat assignments on most internal European flights on the big flag carriers like Lufthansa and Austrian. You'll have to wait till the day of your flight. There is no reason to leave the secure area at Newark. United has customer service desks scattered all over terminal C in the gate area. They can help you out.