Seat assignments on outbound flight, but none on the return. Why?

The Seat Expert — Sat, 23 May 2009 23:55:47 +0000

Without knowing on which airline are you traveling, or the route and class of service that you are ticketed in, it is difficult to be of much assistance, but we’ll give it a shot.

Some airlines only allocate a percentage of seats for advance assignment, and once that quota is reached, reserve the remaining seats for assignment for only priority passengers. Policies do vary, but here are some examples of priority passengers:

Elite members in the airline’s frequent flyer program
Elite members in the airline’s global alliance partners’ frequent flyer programs
Passengers paying the highest unrestricted fares
Passengers with special needs
Passengers traveling with infants
Unaccompanied minors
Passengers holding First or Business class tickets for a multiple-segment itinerary, but some of the flights only have one class of service
Dis-serviced passengers, such as those affected by the airline canceling their flight or a change to the schedule that causes them to mis-connect

These are just some example, but I think you get the idea that there are exceptions to the percentage quota. You might also try to call the airline you are traveling on, and tell them that you only have a seat assignment for the outbound, and would like to request assignment for the return. If they are unable to provide a seat assignment, then it is the perfect opportunity to ask for an explanation.

Ask the Seat Expert » seat assignments

Seat assignments on outbound flight, but none on the return. Why?