JL redemption with AA miles: F seat selection

[legroom]

Hello

With my upcoming JL F redemption using AAdvantage, all seats are greyed out on JL MMB but using EF I could see 1A, 1K, 2CD available.

I called up JAL and was told that I could only be allocated 2C or 2D as "... 1A & 1K is under airport control...".

That seems rather odd as flight is 7-8 weeks away but I cannot argue without any references / bylaws etc... so I accepted row 2.

What has been your experience with similar redemptions ?

Status wise, I am a NB with JL (but WP with QF).

Worth trying another agent (or two) ?

With CX redemptions, row 1 is often "unavailable" online but when I call up, it is available for selection.

I put the OP here as it originated from AAdvantage so people frequenting this thread may have more experience with similar redemptions.

 

[Hvr]

Call AA and get them to change your FF number to QF. Once done call JL and ask for a seat in row one.

Did this with upcoming CX and BA redemption flights and got the pick of the J cabin.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I was not able to get row 1 on JL either. Told it's for their own elites (paraphrasing but that was the jist of it). My QFF WP number was in the booking. This was also an AA redemption.
Didn't bother trying any further as was quite happy with a row 2 window.

EDIT JALPak on FT says row one is blocked based on booking class. May open up at OLCI

 

[legroom]

Thanks for the info

I had now inserted my WP QFF number but row 1 is till greyed out !

2A / 2K (window seats) are taken

Just have to "slump" in middle row 2 seats then until OLCI as PF suggested.

 

[drron]

We have just vacated 2 D,G in ORD.Dont think you should worry.

 

[burmans]

That's a bit weird, just went and checked my booking and I though we had already been allocated seats, AA now doesn't show seats when I checked my booking!

Actually on checking my itinerary it says 1G, 1D, 2D

 

[boomy]

Thanks for the info

I had now inserted my WP QFF number but row 1 is till greyed out !

2A / 2K (window seats) are taken

Just have to "slump" in middle row 2 seats then until OLCI as PF suggested.

Had the same issue. 1A/K show available on EF but can't book online or by the AAgent.

Called JL and was told those seats are only available at check in which is strange because last time I could select 1A over the phone so they must have changed the rules since.

Oh well, hope I'll get a shadow in row 2

 

[MEL_Traveller]

That's a bit weird, just went and checked my booking and I though we had already been allocated seats, AA now doesn't show seats when I checked my booking!

Actually on checking my itinerary it says 1G, 1D, 2D

What's important is what's showing on the JL site. MMB function is good.

 

[burmans]

What's important is what's showing on the JL site. MMB function is good.

Sounds good but where do I find the JL PNR?

 

[smit0847]

There arent going to be bad seats in an 8 seat F cabin!

 

[vantage03]

1A and 1K are always blocked for JL redemption tickets. They can only be booked in advance by pax with full F-Class booked tickets.
The call centre can note a request for airport control to assign you 1A or 1K when OLCI opens but it doesn't usually happen.

 

[legroom]

Sounds good but where do I find the JL PNR?

I got mine by asking from the AA agent.

Had the same issue. 1A/K show available on EF but can't book online or by the AAgent.

Called JL and was told those seats are only available at check in which is strange because last time I could select 1A over the phone so they must have changed the rules since.

Oh well, hope I'll get a shadow in row 2

Further incentive to go to QF F lounge early !

1A and 1K are always blocked for JL redemption tickets. They can only be booked in advance by pax with full F-Class booked tickets.
The call centre can note a request for airport control to assign you 1A or 1K when OLCI opens but it doesn't usually happen.

Makes sense

 

[MEL_Traveller]

There arent going to be bad seats in an 8 seat F cabin!

I guess it comes down to personal preference but I'd be avoiding 1GK, and to a lesser extent 1D and then 1A. These are not ideal in terms of privacy, proximity to the galley/WC, foot traffic, and the closeness of the bulkhead in front.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Sounds good but where do I find the JL PNR?

I must have got it through either check my trip, or by calling JL. Once you have it it's pretty nifty for seat selection etc.

 

[vantage03]

Sounds good but where do I find the JL PNR?

It should show in your e-ticket. Always does in my CX e-tickets.

Otherwise the issuing airline can give it to you.

 

[burmans]

Thanks, check my trip does not recognise the AA PNR and no, its not shown on the eticket (in fact its one of the most sparse etickets I have ever seen) so unfortunately looks like a phone call is required.

 

[froggerADL]

I've been allocated 2A SYD-NRT on a QFF redemption. I'm happy with that.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I've been allocated 2A SYD-NRT on a QFF redemption. I'm happy with that.

The best seat in the house I would have thought!

 

[vantage03]

Fwiw I much prefer 2A/K over 1A/K and I've done a few sectors in both ;-)