Economy Classic Reward - Seat Allocation - Non Qantas Flights?

[group-of-5]

Hi Team

I know this question has been asked before but there is some contradictory advice on this and other forums. Basically, I'm confused (not unusual for me!) and would very much appreciate some specific advice from the gentle people here!

Spouse and I are looking to do a Classic Reward trip to the USA (multi-city, including one ground segment) in Economy. We have a fair amount of flexibility, probably a 2-4 week trip within a 6 week window, so there are lots of flight possibilities to consider!

Many of the flights we are looking at are non-Qantas. American Airlines, Fiji Airways, Alaska, Cathay Pacific etc. Basically none of the flights have Qantas code-share options with a Qantas flight number, they are all AA, FJ, CX, AS flight numbers.

What I'm wondering is how seat allocation works with non-Qantas flights when booked on an Economy Classic Reward? I don't care about the short internal flights, I'm happy to play Seat/Seat-mate roulette. It's the long flights where it's nice to have some degree of control. Nothing particularly fancy required, just the standard type allocation - Seated together, Aisle.

So, could I get some advice for each of the long-haul (10+ hour) possibilities on AA, FJ and CX, about how it works:

1. Do you get a free seat allocation and if so, what's the process to get that allocation made?
2. If there isn't a free seat allocation, can you pay for one and if so, what's the process to do so?

I understand that maximising Qantas metal for the long sectors will solve this problem, but one consideration is avoiding LAX customs and immigration after our last experience where the delays caused us to miss our connecting flight, so that tilts us towards considering non-Qantas options.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!!

 

[MELso]

Seat selection depends on getting the PNR (which will be different for AS and AA from the QF one) and whether the seat selection is chargeable (this depends on the policy of the airline concerned so check their sites, and whether you have status).

 

[group-of-5]

If it matters, Qantas status is Bronze. My days of having status are long gone.

I'm hoping that someone might be able to share their 'lived experience' of booking a Economy Classic Reward on AA, FJ or CX.

TIA

 

[offshore171]

So, could I get some advice for each of the long-haul (10+ hour) possibilities on AA, FJ and CX, about how it works:

Have a look at JAL also. They fly non stop from TYO to several US cities on both coasts, and in the middle too (Dallas and Chicago).

So you can easily avoid entering via LA.

I've found their awards availability quite good lately.

https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/route/network/ame.html