Avoid Middle Seats on Planes
The satisfaction felt in snagging cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages can dim when you later learn that the only seats left open on a plane are middle seats.
Currently airlines are filling an average of 85 percent of their seats which means that about 66 percent of passengers are assigned aisle or window seat while 19 percent are stuck in the middle. Middle seats are typically the last to be filled.
To help passengers avoid middle seats, an Internet company called ExpertFlyer has created seat alerts. By visiting its website passengers are able to view a seat map of their plane and request the seat they want.
If the desired seat (for example an aisle or window seat) is not available at the time, travelers can request one seat alert at a time for free. If the desired seat becomes available, travelers are notified by email. Additional alerts are 99 cents.
ExpertFlyer also displays maps and seat reviews from TripAdvisors SeatGuru. ExpertFlyer is running a 72 percent success rate helping people sit where desired.
Many airlines have started charging an additional fee for the best seat assignments.
ExpertFlyer also helps travelers find the optimum rewards from their frequent flyer programs. Exclusive award and upgrade availability searches help customers view different flight options enabling them to use frequent flyer program rewards for mileage awards and mileage upgrade awards. www.cheapfares.com