Hoping for right set of berths in 12301 (HWH-NDLS Rajdhani)

For our Delhi trip, I need to book tickets for a party of 5 in 3A.
I have noted that 241 tkts are available in GN quota for this train/class. My target is LB/MB/UB (same side) & SL/SU of same compartment. Assuming I'm booking on the date of opening (even if not the first person in line), do I have a decent chance at getting this? Please advise.
My previous adventures on opening days have been disappointing, hence the need to get inputs to set my expectations right...

What is the age profile of the group. If you have a SRCTZN then a lower is easy and the rest should be easy as well.

It is impossible to be sure you get the seats as per an arrangement you have in mind. Other than trying multiple times or playing lady luck, I don't really think there is any way to be even reasonably sure of the arrangement that you may get.

i have 1 srctzn male, 1 srctzn female, 1 male, 1 female, 1 child (6y). all we need is 1LB. i was looking for this berth combination to have minimal conflict with other passengers...
btw, i understand the LB quota does not kick in unless SRCTZN is travelling alone...

Param

It is a bit complicated to understand the "logic" of IRCTC reservation of berths online. A few points to consider (I am sure you know these with your vast knowledge, but for the benefit of those that may be less familiar and please correct me):

1. Having 2 senior citizens on the same PNR, one Mr & other MRS with appropriate ages and same surname, should get 2 LB.
2. All 5 having same surname improves the chances of being together in some combination.
3. There is a check box on "keeping all together" or something like that - that should help.

Throw in possible variables for other people's booking and you have a nice software problem.

Cheers

Nattusbs

Thanks for sharing.

1. As I understood, LB is 'granted' ONLY if available in GN quota OR available in SS quota & booked for single passenger. So, the chances of 2 LBs for 2 Srctzn in one PNR should be as good/bad as for 2 regular passengers.
2. Will keep that in mind. I thought this helps in 1A/FC charting, but you may have a point...
3. This check box only works for keeping them in same coach (B1 or B2), but not in same compartment. So, in the past when I used this, I still got B1-8/9 & B1-37 & B1-64!!!

Booking always starts from the middle of a coach and then it proceeds to the either direction. Once an application is received the software checks if it can put all the passengers together by fulfilling their desired berth options. (Providing sufficient number of berths is still available in the compartment=> coach)

If that is not the case, the passengers would split up to the next available coach => berth choice. If berth choice still cannot be fulfilled, the system allots a random berth (Amongst the then available berths)

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Charting for all classes except 1AC and FC is done by system. Hence it would not matter whether you keep the surnames same or different in a single PNR. All it would matter is you age and gender (Sometimes like Lower Berth Quota/Ladies Quota)

wow! that's deep nesting logic indeed!!!
do you think age/gender helps in LB allocation even if travelling with others? i thought LB quota kicks in only if alone...

You mean a 60 year old with osteoarthritis, won't be needing a LB if he/she is traveling with family. A LB is age/gender dependent and its allocation should have nothing to do with travelling alone or not.

I think Dipu's explanation is just perfect.

while your logic is sound, IR's allocation is not.
so, even if a 90 year old is traveling with someone else (even if another 20 or 80 year old), he/she would get LB only if available in GN quota - they cannot get any LB from SS quota. this has been my consistent experience in all bookings for the last 4 years.

It is actually. Here is the point where Lower Berth Quota comes into picture.
I am however not sure, if system is pre-configured to try and allot LB to the senior citizens (Even when they are traveling in groups)

Mr. Bissa, the owner of Erail had posted a snapshot of the reservation procedure in IRFCA Forum some months back. Am not sure how much of it is true but it is worth having a look at it.

As they say on another forum Linkeshwari please, Or please provide the link to this doc if available.

Probably your experience makes you believe so. That does not have to mean that the process is indeed that way. There may be people who have actually got LB's when in a group.

I was rather referring to the first paragraph.