Qantas Platinum Seating on American Airlines

[SYD]

That's the process I usually do, convenience store or airport concession is another place, especially if flying economy, as you might want a drink and a snack on your flight as you aren't likely to get one.

As a QF WP, AA MCE is your friend again! Comp food and drinks.

 

[serfty]

As a QF WP, AA MCE is your friend again! Comp food and drinks.

Not since this month; AA have removed much of that ability for Qantas Platinum (or Gold).

Here's a screenshot of a booking I have - I originally selected the seat indicated at no charge earlier this year. Now it wants to charge (App or desktop) if I try to move.

 

[SYD]

Not since this month; AA have removed much of that ability for Qantas Platinum (or Gold).

Here's a screenshot of a booking I have - I originally selected the seat indicated at no charge earlier this year. Now it wants to charge (App or desktop) if I try to move.

View attachment 510412

OT: but “Nooo!”

Hopefully that’s a glitch. I do recall seeing different behaviour in the app v website. Don’t recall which one allowed free seat selection while the other wanted a “tip”… But if they’re both asking for money, that’s a real bummer. Guess I’ll just need to look for a decent “F” fare next time.

Is that a direct AA booking or something via QF?

 

[serfty]

Is that a direct AA booking or something via QF?

Both ... 001- and 081-

To reiterate, on desktop and app.

Yes, it is off topic, other than that MCE is not a way to to avoid needing change.

 

[Daver6]

Not since this month; AA have removed much of that ability for Qantas Platinum (or Gold).

Here's a screenshot of a booking I have - I originally selected the seat indicated at no charge earlier this year. Now it wants to charge (App or desktop) if I try to move.

View attachment 510412

Another flip flop on this?! Far out. MCE was free in Jan for QF WPs

 

[serfty]

Reports that this is back for WP (& CL/WP)

American Airlines Finally Gives Qantas Top Elites Free Extra Legroom Seats — Fixing A Strange Partner Snub - View from the Wing

American Airlines has finally added Qantas top elites to the list of partner frequent flyers who receive free Main Cabin Extra seats. The change fixes a strange gap for Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members, especially since American and Qantas share revenue through a transpacific joint...

viewfromthewing.com

Today I was able to select MCE on the my bookings at no cost.



Internal AA memo (from VFTW Article):

 

[Mwenenzi]

Some positive change for QF Plat (OWE)
**Qantas members receive complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats for seats booked on or after June, 24, 2026.

Main Cabin Extra − Travel information − American Airlines

www.aa.com

AAdvantage® status member access
Who gets complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats?
When traveling on a Basic Economy ticket bought before May 18, 2026, or a Main Cabin ticket, these status members are eligible:

• AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro® and AAdvantage Platinum® members, at the time of booking
• oneworld® Sapphire℠ members with status on Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Qatar Airways or Japan Airlines, at the time of booking
• oneworld® Emerald℠ members with status on Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Qantas**, Qatar Airways or Japan Airlines, at the time of booking
• AAdvantage Gold® and oneworld® Ruby℠ members,*** within 24 hours of departure

All listed members are allowed complimentary access for up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation.

*Status benefits may not be available on all flights. Complimentary seats are not available on Basic Economy fare tickets bought on or after May 18, 2026.

**Qantas members receive complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats for seats booked on or after June, 24, 2026.
***oneworld® Ruby℠ members with status on Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Qatar Airways or Japan Airlines.

Is noted a is status as time of booking and not status on date of travel. Which could lower, same or higher than when was booking made.
Is for BE tickets purchased before 18 May. But an exception for QF from 24 June.

Blogger American Airlines Finally Gives Qantas Top Elites Free Extra Legroom Seats — Fixing A Strange Partner Snub - View from the Wing

 

[moa999]

So why are Qantas Sapphire (Gold) members missing out?

 

[justinbrett]

I wonder if QF launching Y+ had anything to do with it?

QF could carve out AA from Y+ if AA doesn’t give QF MCE.