I am still trying to get seat assignment for the TLV/EWR portion of our trip without success.

I have tried several times on-line (no luck) and I've called and talked to agents. None of the responses make sense. The last agent I talked to said there only blocked seats (apart from premium) are at the back for a group and she didn't think the rest would be released until the day of flight.

The only reason I can think of is flying out of Tel Aviv. I don't know how Faina managed to get her seat assignment prior to her trip.

I'm unhappy to have to fight the crowds at the airport. Reminds me of return flights out of China and Italy where waiting in line was unheard of and people just elbowed their way to the counter! I know, I'll still get a seat but it is a long flight...

My other question is about seat row 39. SeatGuru says it is the typical economy seat but Continental chart makes it look like it would have more room since there are no seats shown for row 38 on the sides.

Read post "Seat assignment still unavailable ..." regarding seat on UA - lots of opinions on subject (currently 17 posts below this one)

Gail, I've been following that post.

I wouldn't mind so much for a domestic flight. But this is a long flight and I won't have easy access to try for seat assignment 24 hours prior to return.

There are seats all the way from Rows 32 to 44/45. The "missing" seats will be released about 2 days from departure. You do not get extra rooms or anything.

The difficulty in getting seat assignment seem to be a TLV specific problem. But Onepass "elites" can get seat assignments alright. I have no idea why TLV is different from other routes, but that seem to be case, unfortunately.

Thanks rkkwan. I'll keep looking but am not hopeful. One observation: so far, all Continental agent I've talked to have been very nice and helpful.

esm - I looked up FainaAgain's old thread. It appears that she managed to get her seat assignment through the continental.com website support desk. [Yes, there are quite a number of stuff the website people can do, while regular reservations can't. Don't ask me why.]

The number is 800-300-1547

As for CO's phone agents. They're definitely better than most, especially those in the "Elite Desk". One constant complain, however, is that the Onepass agents often are too lazy to look up partner flights when customers are redeeming miles. Instead, they're quick to offer SleazyPass (aka EasyPass; i.e. 2x miles).

rkkwan, that was great! I just called and got our seats. I was going to say I owe you one, but I don't think I could give you any tips on airlines that you don't already know!

Maybe I could get an upgrade if I mention you know the chairman!