BA Seats Issue
 

I have been reading the threads about the seats and BA. I am flying business class to JHB from IAD with a layover in LHR. I obtained the fare upgrading for miles. I am told I also cannot assign my seat ahead of time. Never flew BA before and only learned this after purchasing the non-refundable tickets or I would have chosen another airline. I have a severe fear of flying (only exceeded by my love of travel, how ironic). I see a psychiatrist for flying meds prior to travel. I take Xanax, Paxil and Ambien only for flights (the paxil starts 45 days out, however). Because of this I really need my husband next to me as I am usually sleeping or needing some reassurance. Also, this works - I travel long haul alot and have no other issues with crazyness and take meds at no other times. Will a letter from my physican and copies of my perscriptions make any difference on check in? In 10 years and a ton of flights I have never sat apart from my husband. I really don't know how I would react. Any helpful suggestions?

Try calling BA customer service at 800-545-7644; keep pressing 0 at each prompt until you get a live person. Hours are only Monday through Friday.

Good luck.

BA's unwillingness to let pax pre-select seats should not be interpreted as inhuman behavior. I don't think you'll have any problem sitting together. In my experience BA's airport customer service people are quite reasonable, and will accommodate you.

I frequently fly BA and only recently have had to deal with the 24 hour seat assignment, even for Business Class. However,at least up to now, I've had no problem and there are no bad seats in BC. That said, the seats that are right next to each other are in the middle row and seem to be the least desirable seats for single passengers. I doubt that you'll have any trouble in getting two of those seats. The aisle seats are not convenient for your purpose.

I meant to add that what you want are seats in D&E section, any row. I doubt you'll have any problem getting these seats when you go online for seat assignment 24 hours prior to departure.

Thank you for your posative comments. Now I am less worried. I have my preferences, of course, but don't care in the end where I sit as long as it is in BC and next to hubby.

I've just checked with BA redarding seat assignments and if you have a special need, you can pre-book seats. You'll need to access the 'Manage my booking' aspect on BA website.

Update: Following the posted suggestions I contacted customer service (the original reservation agent told me I could not pre-select seats no matter what, which is why I didn't press the point and posted this inquiry). The rep was really nice and all I have to do is provide some documentation (no problem) and they will make sure my husband and I get our seats next to each other. What more can I ask for. Very happy. Thank you.