Airlines not honouring their pre-paid seat selection?

Mr rebel

I'm flying with SAS tomorrow and paid an extra €12 for advance seat selection when I originally made the booking. I just checked in a while ago and noticed my seat has been changed from 4A (which I picked) to 8F:(
I was able to pick another seat if I wished but the closest I could get to my original seat was 5F. The first four front rows were completely greyed out.
Am I entitled to a refund for my lost seat here or is it a case of tough luck?

Speedwell

Mr rebel wrote: »

I'm flying with SAS tomorrow and paid an extra €12 for advance seat selection when I originally made the booking. I just checked in a while ago and noticed my seat has been changed from 4A (which I picked) to 8F:(
I was able to pick another seat if I wished but the closest I could get to my original seat was 5F. The first four front rows were completely greyed out.
Am I entitled to a refund for my lost seat here or is it a case of tough luck?

Not much you can do. Even with advance seat selection they reserve the right to change someone "if necessary". All airlines do this as far as I know. They should refund you the money you paid, though.

Atlantic Dawn

Yes they should refund you.

Mr rebel

Thanks for the responses. At least I know I'm entitled to a refund then so that's ok:)
I am guessing the change of seats is due to frequent flyers or the gold badge members being able to pick any seat they want, even if already taken.

coylemj

Just don't do a Gerry Adams on it and compare yourself to Rosa Parks

Speedwell

Mr rebel wrote: »

Thanks for the responses. At least I know I'm entitled to a refund then so that's ok:)
I am guessing the change of seats is due to frequent flyers or the gold badge members being able to pick any seat they want, even if already taken.

It happened to me once, and when I got on the plane discovered a largish group of teenagers all in matching T-shirts had been seated there. I don't remember whether they were on a band trip or some missionary thing, but that's not important. Probably easier on everyone.

Yamanoto

Mr rebel wrote: »

I am guessing the change of seats is due to frequent flyers or the gold badge members being able to pick any seat they want, even if already taken.

As it was 4A, you were likely shunted by a EuroBonus Gold or Diamond Cardholder, as Star Alliance golds with other carriers have trouble bagging a preferred seat on SAS IIRC. Definitely in line for a refund anyway & you can always see if anything preferable pops up within 22hrs of departure.

Strumms

Can also happen in certain circumstances where they might need to change aircraft type or if there were weight and balance restrictions... ie. Ryanair often cordon off the first 4 rows on a flght that isn't full for this reason..

Atlantic Dawn

Speedwell wrote: »

It happened to me once, and when I got on the plane discovered a largish group of teenagers all in matching T-shirts had been seated there. I don't remember whether they were on a band trip or some missionary thing, but that's not important. Probably easier on everyone.

So what happened, did you get a refund? Also was your seat reassigned when you checked in or did you only find out when you boarded the plane in which case how did you know where to sit?

J.pilkington

Could it be an aircraft type change? When this happens seats are usually reassigned.

Had the pleasure of sitting beside a man before having it out with a Stewart because he wasn't in the seat he booked and that was her reply.

Speedwell

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

So what happened, did you get a refund? Also was your seat reassigned when you checked in or did you only find out when you boarded the plane in which case how did you know where to sit?

Well, I had advance seat selection included in my ticket because of the deal my company had with the airline; there wasn't really anything to refund. They told me at the gate when I checked in; I had a chance to talk to the gate attendant and they helped me find another aisle seat (which I need for health reasons).

LXFlyer

Mr rebel wrote: »

I'm flying with SAS tomorrow and paid an extra €12 for advance seat selection when I originally made the booking. I just checked in a while ago and noticed my seat has been changed from 4A (which I picked) to 8F:(
I was able to pick another seat if I wished but the closest I could get to my original seat was 5F. The first four front rows were completely greyed out.
Am I entitled to a refund for my lost seat here or is it a case of tough luck?

It's probably as a result of a late change of aircraft type.

The front rows are for SAS Plus passengers.

J.pilkington

lxflyer wrote: »

It's probably as a result of a late change of aircraft type.

The front rows are for SAS Plus passengers.

As has already been stated

dudara

Mr rebel wrote: »

Thanks for the responses. At least I know I'm entitled to a refund then so that's ok:)
I am guessing the change of seats is due to frequent flyers or the gold badge members being able to pick any seat they want, even if already taken.

They may also have changed the plane and the new one now has a different configuration.

To be honest, airlines would rather sell seat selection as that's cold hard cash, rather than giving them free to loyalty customers.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Mr rebel

Just thought I'd update on this situation;

Well as suspected, the first 5/6 rows were indeed reserved for SAS Plus customers.
My return flight was the same where I was again bumped from my pre-paid seat to another one a few rows back.
I sent an email on the Monday of last week seeking my €24 refund but as of yet I haven't had a response from them. I guess I'd be better off trying to call them at this point.
I know it's only €24 but it's the principle of paying for something that I didn't get.