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

 

[Princess Pia]

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

Also bronze here. Recently booked an itinerary that contained Fiji, LATAM, American Airlines and Qantas. I was able to to book seats for free on all but Fiji who want $100pp for Nadi-lax. I had to go to each individual airline website and enter the PNR to book the seats. I used the BA website to get the PNR for the American Airlines flights.

 

[group-of-5]

Also bronze here. Recently booked an itinerary that contained Fiji, LATAM, American Airlines and Qantas. I was able to to book seats for free on all but Fiji who want $100pp for Nadi-lax. I had to go to each individual airline website and enter the PNR to book the seats. I used the BA website to get the PNR for the American Airlines flights.

Thanks Princess Pia for the update!!

 

[AuSammy]

Melso above gave the answer. Depends on the ticket class you get booked onto on the relevant airline.

Ive booked several CR itineraries as a Bronze. Mostly was able to book seats on most airlines one way or another. Eg going to another OneWorld airline site like RJ. Rarely successful getting to select my seats on MH or FJ with a CR ticket.

Even with a paid ticket in Business some ticket classes won’t let you select seats without a fee. There is a thread running on this subject. QR, BA, FJ and others.

 

[pjm99au]

My experience booking Y on CX award seats for my 3 children in December

WP child full seat selection

Silver child limited seat selection at rear of Y cabin

Bronze child no seat selection until 24 hours prior to departure

As they are all travelling together on one booking I called Cathay to get them seats allocated together now. Call centre responded with an emphatic no