VA - seat allocation at check-in query

[pk67]

We are booked in Premium but we've been told that we can't get our seats allocated until check in opens.

At present, there are six seats blocked out - the middle three in rows 14 and 15.

I have two questions that I would appreciate some feedback on:
Are these seats only allocated at airport check-in or when online check in opens?
I am a Flying Club member but none of the other members of our party are. Do all of us need to be Flying Club members to be able to check in 72 hours in advance?

Thanks.

[Loulou127]

That’s strange, us usually in PE you can book your seats as soon as you book your flights? I was going to say the middle row is 4 seats but maybe you aren’t flying a 747?

[disneypars]

I thought with premium you could pick your seats when booking. Have you rang flying club.

[Star87]

Have you done a dummy booking online to see what available? I wanted to upgrade to premium but they said it was a really busy flight and i could only pre book 1 seat out of 4. I didn't want to be split up from the family so we didn't bother.

[uktigg]

14A-K and 20HK are always blocked until check-in(on a 747 to Florida), but all other unreserved seats should be available to reserve as soon as you have your flight reference number from Virgin Atlantic.
BTW, Check-in is at T-24 for EVERYONE!
Flying club members get the option of reserving seats for no charge at 72 hrs, not checking in, and yes, all persons need to be FC members to do this.

[Wereallmadhere]

Sorry i think ive missed something. What reason have they given that you can't reserve seats? I thought on PE you could reserve seats for free straight away with your booking ref on the virgin app or online under My booking?

[dpmcalister]

I certainly reserved my PE seats when we booked in June for our February trip.

[taylaboo]

We are cattle class, and flying club members. We booked our seats at 331 days from flight for free.

[pk67]

Thanks for the responses. I did contact VA when I booked as I couldn't allocate any seats at that point. They explained that this was standard protocol. The flight is full so no other seats available.

I'll get the rest of the party signed up for Flying Club and be on standby at the 72 hour point.

[lizzie145]

It will just mean that they have some flexibility to move passengers if they need a bassinet for example and didn't realise it.
How many in your party and how many seats? So e passengers at check in will try to get those which could mean your party is split