Airline question Northwest vs. Continental

[Sleddogs]

I don't know if this is the right spot to ask this question, but if anyone (maybe a TA) has an answer I'd appreciate it.

We have our August airline tickets to Alaska for our upcoming cruise booked thru Northwest Airlines. They do not allow us to choose our seats until 90 days out.

On the other hand, we are booked on Continental Airlines for next February to Las Vegas and we already have our seats 10 months in advance.

What's up with Northwest? Have tried online and by calling them and no go until 90 out. It's the first time I've encountered this with an airline.

Thanks! Sleddogs

Carnival Fascination 8/00 (Southern Carib)25th Anniversary
Norwegian Sky 8/01 (Alaska) Enchantment of the Seas 8/02 (Western Carib)
Carnival Destiny Family Cruise 8/10/03 (Southern Caribbean)
Celebrity Summit 12 night Alaska cruise tour 8/2004
Jewel of the Seas 12 night British Isles/Norwegian Fjords 7/2005~~30th Anniversary

[dougnewmanatsea]

According to NWA's web site, "Seats may be pre-assigned on Northwest-operated flights a maximum of 90 days prior to departure." So I guess this is standard operating procedure for NW.

I would call them up 90 days before your departure and ask to select seats then - if nobody can select seats earlier than that you should be able to choose just about any seat except ones reserved for elite frequent flyers (unless you are one of those) or seats blocked out for assignment at the airport (all airlines block some seats for that purpose).

I've not seen this policy with a major US airline before but I do know some overseas carriers use it or something similar.

Doug Newman
Cruise Critic Message Boards Host
e-mail: shiploverny AT yahoo DOT com

[Sleddogs]

Doug, thank you for your reply. I will definitely check in with Northwest. The good news is that yesterday our flights went down about $75. After a $25 reissue fee, we are each getting a voucher for $50 to use on future flights on either NW or CO. Made my day!

Thanks again! Sleddogs

Carnival Fascination 8/00 (Southern Carib)25th Anniversary
Norwegian Sky 8/01 (Alaska) Enchantment of the Seas 8/02 (Western Carib)
Carnival Destiny Family Cruise 8/10/03 (Southern Caribbean)
Celebrity Summit 12 night Alaska cruise tour 8/2004
Jewel of the Seas 12 night British Isles/Norwegian Fjords 7/2005~~30th Anniversary

[ImpulsivePuppy]

As an aside, I think you would get better service and be more comfortable on Continental. Only a personal opinion, but my experiences on Northworst have been so bad, I do not fly them anymore.

-Michael (a.k.a.
Impulsive Puppy)
Grand Princess 98;Amsterdam 02; Mercury 02; Baby 04
To Cut, or not to Cut, that is the question...