Last night, my niece Amanda was flying from Newark to Geneva on United Airlines. She was running late getting to the airport so I visited United.com to see if the plane was on time and then texted Amanda to see if she had made it or not. They were both on time. I then asked what seat she was in because I was amazed to see that there was a tab to the live seat map with its inventory, right there on the website. See screenshot below.
The flight was almost completely full except for a few empty seats, and I noticed that one them was next to my niece’s seat—19A. When I texted her and told her that it looks like she had an empty seat next to her, she quickly texted back asking, “How do you know?” “I’m Johnny Jet,” I told her! But then I cautioned her not to get too excited because it looked like there was one person on standby. I told her it was probably a flight attendant and since First Class was full, the flight attendant would probably sit next to her in the next best seat, in Premium Economy.
She didn’t think I was right since they were close to closing the door. I told her to let me know if someone takes the seat beside her and if their name is K. Min. (Surprisingly, United’s website lists the standbys, including those for upgrades, on their website). A few minutes later, my niece texted back in all caps: “HOW DID YOU KNOW A FLIGHT ATTENDANT WAS GOING TO SIT NEXT TO ME?!” I said, “I already told you, I’m Johnny Jet,” but in reality, I was shocked that United’s website gave so much information.
I also noticed the following morning, when I went to see if she had landed on time, that the site allows you to see the actual seat numbers of those on standby and upgrade list (see screenshot below). I personally love all this information because I’m an aviation geek but I’m not sure how many passengers will. Especially flight crew who are trying to fly incognito to surprise someone. Same goes for passengers who are on the upgrade list as we can now see which ones got upgraded and didn’t pay for First Class.
What do you think? Am I making much ado about nothing or is this way too much information for an airline to be disseminating to the general public?
Hmmm. I think it is fine for anyone booked on the flight to be able to see this, but kind of weird that everyone else in the world can, too. I’m not freaky about privacy, but can imagine that some people might be uncomfortable…someone who wouldn’t want their estranged spouse or mean boss to know their activities, for example.
I think this IS a big deal and it’s totally creepy. UNITED, you suck. Don’t do this. I don’t want some random person checking out where I’m sitting. It can be used for nefarious purposes… I don’t have to spell that out.
Delta also lists the standbys and upgrades this way! I have always thought it kind of odd…
I love it. I have noticed that UAL has done this since the CO merger and CO used to do it also. I have been on flights before where a first class seat flies open for whatever reason, even though there were many people on the upgrade list, myself included. This feature allows me to see if they filled it or flew empty.
I’m shocked it was on time?
I agree – much ado about nothing. I don’t really care if somebody knows the first letter of my first name and last three of my last. I like knowing where I am on the upgrade list. Posting seat assignments does not seem to have much value to me, but doesn’t upset me.
Ever since the United and Continental merger, Elite access is no longer elite. BTW, my wife got a letter from United the other day and they automatically awarded her Silver Elite Access this year even though she didn’t fly the minimum 25000 miles last year.
It’s the first three letters of the last name followed by first initial. What’s the big deal. Upgrades and airline employes depend on the info.
It’s really not a big deal Johnny a Jet. As a UAL employee we rely on all that info as we non rev.
Worked great when I was able to check I was on the standby list . Don’t think you would be able to find someone without knowing what seat they are assigned. Great info for travelers.
Not too much info. Vital info for combating upgrade shenanigans
You are making much ado about nothing.