Denied use of bulkhead seats on airline

[strguy]

What is the name of your state? California

I thought the bulkhead seats were reserved for the handicapped when needed. I was given inconsistent messages about how to reserve a bulkhead space from the commercial airlines both on the telephone and at the check in gates.

I have a near-immobile leg due to a stroke and need to reposition and regularly move my leg to avoid DVT, which can't be done with a standard seat, particularly if the seat in front is in the recline mode.

The seats were occupied by passengers w/o visible disabilities.

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state? California

I thought the bulkhead seats were reserved for the handicapped when needed. I was given inconsistent messages about how to reserve a bulkhead space from the commercial airlines both on the telephone and at the check in gates.

I have a near-immobile leg due to a stroke and need to reposition and regularly move my leg to avoid DVT, which can't be done with a standard seat, particularly if the seat in front is in the recline mode.

The seats were occupied by passengers w/o visible disabilities.

Maybe I missed it, but I double and triple checked and I still don't see a question.
Are you trying to find out if you can get some sort of compensation from the airline? Even assuming the airline has some sort of duty to seat you at the bulkhead...what were your damages?

 

[seniorjudge]

It's not just you, but there have been other people posting who are outraged by bad service from airlines.

My opinion is that if an airline gives good service, then that is the exception.

In any event, the next time you fly, request special boarding privileges so the stewardesses (or whatever they are calling them this week) will be able to tell you.

Ask for the name of the person who told you that the airline would do this. (Of course, no one will ever admit that the airline ever told you such a thing.)

 

[strguy]

Maybe I missed it, but I double and triple checked and I still don't see a question.
Are you trying to find out if you can get some sort of compensation from the airline? Even assuming the airline has some sort of duty to seat you at the bulkhead...what were your damages?

My question for future airline travel: Is the airline required to save those seats for handicapped passenders? They are listed as handicapped when you purchase tickets, yet they release them to any passengers.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

My question for future airline travel: Is the airline required to save those seats for handicapped passenders? They are listed as handicapped when you purchase tickets, yet they release them to any passengers.

Without certification from the state agency stipulating that you are disabled, no.

 

[cbg]

The seats were occupied by passengers w/o visible disabilities.

So, where is it written that the disability has be visible to be valid? What about people with heart conditions, repiratory conditions, other non-visible medical conditions?

Do you know for a FACT that none of the people in these seats had any kind of disability?

I thought not.

 

[strguy]

The seats were occupied by passengers w/o visible disabilities.

So, where is it written that the disability has be visible to be valid? What about people with heart conditions, repiratory conditions, other non-visible medical conditions?

Do you know for a FACT that none of the people in these seats had any kind of disability?

I thought not.

Think again. The gate agent on one of the legs anyway, said they did not have a physical disability, or had not reported a disability, but had reserved the seats. They are also popular with long-legged folks.

 

[strguy]

Without certification from the state agency stipulating that you are disabled, no.

The only state agency I know of that requires medical proof of a physical handicap is the DMV. They require a letter from an MD. We have a handicap plackard for the car, thus went through that process. My handicap is very obvious having suffered a stroke that affected the entire right side of my body. What agency are you refering to?

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Think again. The gate agent on one of the legs anyway, said they did not have a physical disability, or had not reported a disability, but had reserved the seats. They are also popular with long-legged folks.

i am 6'4" and 250 lbs. I have one bullet hole, 9 knee operations that barely allows me to walk when my knees don't decide to just give out, a broken back that is just now healing and I am a disabled vet.

Guess where I sit?

 

[seniorjudge]

Think again. The gate agent on one of the legs anyway, said they did not have a physical disability, or had not reported a disability, but had reserved the seats. They are also popular with long-legged folks.

Then YOU reserve them next time and explain your disability; make sure it is on their records.

Again, you are really expecting too much out of airlines.

 

[sassyone]

Airline worker

I work for an airline and bulkhead seats are blocked so that passengers can not preserve them in advance. However, on the day of departure these seats can be unblocked. Most gate agents look at their flight loads for special or flagged passengers. This could be passengers who have requested wheelchair service, passengers traveling with infants (popular request), passengers who have identified a disability in their reservation such as blind, deaf, don't speak english, unaccompanied minors, needing additional assistance, etc. If no one is listed and the bulkhead seat is requested, on day of departure at the airport, then that seat is unblocked and assigned. There is only a limited number of bulkhead seats and once it is assigned, it is assigned. That person is not going to be asked to move. And there is no requirement regarding those particular seats. Those seats, like the exit row seats, are considered prime seating because of the additional leg room. It is a courtesy to try and give those seats to those passengers who really need them, and we try to accomodate when at all possible regarding them.

 

[racer72]

I have one question. I have been employed by Boeing for over 25 years and much of my work involves the installation of interior aircraft components, including seats. In all my years, I have never heard of bulkhead seats. What is a bulkhead seat?

i am 6'4" and 250 lbs. I have one bullet hole, 9 knee operations that barely allows me to walk when my knees don't decide to just give out, a broken back that is just now healing and I am a disabled vet.

Guess where I sit?

As a big guy with knee problems, if you are like me you spring for first class seats. Last on, first off, free drinks, all well worth the extra money. Plus I have got to sit with a few celebrities including Sammy Hagar and Helen Hunt.

 

[sassyone]

A bulkhead seat is the first row in coach. It has a little more leg room than other rows.

 

[cbg]

You completely missed my point, by the way. It was not whether or not THESE SPECIFIC individuals were or were not disabled. I was debating your apparant claim that only visible handicaps "counted".

 

[ceara19]

As a big guy with knee problems, if you are like me you spring for first class seats. Last on, first off, free drinks, all well worth the extra money. Plus I have got to sit with a few celebrities including Sammy Hagar and Helen Hunt.

British Airways first class is the best. The seats HUGE and they convert into really comfortable beds. They even provide the slippers, pj's and a "freshen-up" kit.