Are you ready to take control of your flight experience, even when you've booked a codeshare flight? Selecting your seat can make a huge difference to your comfort, especially on long-haul journeys. When you've booked an American Airlines flight through Qantas, the process might seem a little confusing at first, but with this detailed, step-by-step guide, you'll be able to secure your preferred spot with confidence. Let's get started!
The Ultimate Guide to Selecting Your Seat on American Airlines (Booked via Qantas)
Booking a flight through a partner airline like Qantas for an American Airlines operated flight is common, but it can add a layer of complexity when it comes to seat selection. Don't worry, we're here to demystify the process and ensure you get the seat you desire.
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| How To Select Seat On American Airlines Booked Through Qantas |
Step 1: Unearthing Your American Airlines Confirmation Code (PNR)
This is the most crucial first step, so pay close attention! When you book an American Airlines flight through Qantas, your Qantas booking reference (PNR) is usually different from the one American Airlines uses internally. To manage your booking directly with American Airlines and select your seat, you'll need their specific confirmation code.
Sub-heading: Where to find it
Check your Qantas e-ticket or booking confirmation email: Look for a section that details the operating carrier (American Airlines) and specifically mentions an "Airline Reference," "Operating Airline Confirmation," or "Partner Airline PNR." This is typically a 6-character alphanumeric code.
Log in to your Qantas "Manage Booking": Sometimes, once you're logged into your Qantas account and view your booking, the American Airlines PNR will be displayed there, often alongside the flight details for the American Airlines segment.
Call Qantas Customer Service (as a last resort): If you've exhausted the online options and still can't find it, don't hesitate to call Qantas. Explain that you need the American Airlines (AA) confirmation code for your codeshare flight to select your seat. They should be able to provide it to you.
Pro-Tip: Write down this American Airlines PNR as soon as you find it! It's your golden ticket to managing your flight on AA's platform.
Step 2: Accessing Your Booking on American Airlines' Website or App
Once you have your American Airlines confirmation code, you're ready to make your move!
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Website
Go to the American Airlines official website: Visit
www.aa.com Navigate to "Find Your Trip" or "Manage Trips": This is usually a prominent link on the homepage.
Enter your details: Input the American Airlines 6-character confirmation code you found in Step 1, along with your last name.
Retrieve your booking: Click "Find Trip" or a similar button. If successful, your booking details for the American Airlines flight should appear.
Sub-heading: Using the American Airlines Mobile App
Download the American Airlines App: If you haven't already, download the American Airlines app to your smartphone (available on iOS and Android).
Open the App and Select "Find Trip": Similar to the website, look for an option to "Find Trip" or "Manage Trips."
Enter your information: Input your last name and the American Airlines confirmation code.
View your trip: Your flight details should load.
Important Note: Some users have reported success by entering their Qantas-issued ticket number (a 13-digit number usually starting with '081' for Qantas) on the American Airlines "Find Trip" page if the 6-character PNR doesn't initially work. The app sometimes handles this better. Give it a try if you encounter issues with the PNR.
Step 3: Selecting Your Seat
Now that you've accessed your booking on American Airlines' platform, it's time for the fun part – choosing your seat!
Sub-heading: Navigating the Seat Map
Look for "Change Seats" or "Seat Map": Within your retrieved booking details, there should be an option to modify your seat assignment. Click on this.
View the interactive seat map: A graphical representation of the aircraft's cabin will appear. Available seats will typically be shown in a different color or with an indicator, while occupied or unavailable seats will be marked.
Understand seat types and potential fees:
Standard Seats: These are usually included in your fare.
Preferred Seats: These are often located towards the front of the Main Cabin, offering quicker boarding and deplaning. They may come with an additional fee, especially if you don't have elite status with American Airlines.
Main Cabin Extra (MCE): These seats offer more legroom and often include perks like early boarding. These almost always incur a fee unless you have American Airlines AAdvantage elite status (Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum) or are traveling on a higher fare class.
Exit Row Seats: These offer significant legroom but come with specific safety requirements (e.g., being able to operate the exit door, speaking English). They often have a fee and are only assigned at check-in or if you meet the criteria.
Bassinet Seats: If traveling with an infant, look for seats with a bassinet icon. These are typically bulkheads and have specific requirements and availability.
Sub-heading: Making Your Selection
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
Click on your desired seat: Once you've identified an open seat you like, simply click on it.
Confirm your choice: The system will usually ask you to confirm your selection. If there's a fee involved, it will be clearly displayed, and you'll need to proceed with payment.
Save your changes: Don't forget to save your seat selection before exiting the page! You should receive an updated confirmation.
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Step 4: What to Do if Online Selection Fails
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the online system might not cooperate. Don't despair!
Sub-heading: Alternative Methods
Contact American Airlines Directly:
This is your next best option. Call American Airlines' customer service line. Be sure to have your American Airlines PNR ready.
Explain that you booked through Qantas but want to select your seat on the American Airlines operated flight.
They may be able to assign a seat for you over the phone, or at least confirm the options and any applicable fees.
Wait until Online Check-in (24 hours before departure):
If all else fails, you can generally select a seat during the online check-in process, which typically opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
At this point, all remaining unassigned seats become available, often including some preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats (though these might still carry a fee).
While you might not get your absolute first choice, this often secures you a seat without additional cost.
Airport Check-in:
As a final resort, you can request a seat assignment when you check in at the airport. However, at this stage, your choices will be extremely limited, and you run the risk of being assigned a middle seat or being separated from your travel companions.
Remember: The earlier you try to select your seat, the more options you'll have. Flexibility is key if you're not able to secure your preferred seat immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Find my American Airlines PNR when booked through Qantas?
You can usually find your American Airlines 6-character confirmation code (PNR) in your Qantas booking confirmation email or by logging into "Manage Booking" on the Qantas website. Look for a section detailing the operating airline (American Airlines) and an associated reference number.
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
How to Select a seat if I don't have elite status with American Airlines?
You can still select standard seats for free, depending on your fare class. Preferred seats and Main Cabin Extra seats usually incur a fee if you don't have elite status.
How to Avoid seat selection fees on American Airlines?
The most reliable way to avoid seat selection fees is to choose a standard seat. If you have American Airlines AAdvantage elite status (Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum), you may be eligible for complimentary Preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats. You can also try waiting until online check-in (24 hours before departure), when some previously paid seats might become available for free.
How to Select a bassinet seat on American Airlines?
Bassinet seats are typically located at bulkheads. You should contact American Airlines directly to inquire about bassinet availability and to request one, as they are limited and have specific requirements for infants.
How to Change my seat after initial selection?
Yes, you can usually change your seat selection multiple times before check-in through the American Airlines "Manage Your Trip" section (using your AA PNR). Be aware that if you're changing from a paid seat to a free one, you may not receive a refund for the initial payment.
QuickTip: Break down long paragraphs into main ideas.
How to Handle a codeshare flight where the AA PNR doesn't work?
If the 6-character AA PNR isn't working, try entering the 13-digit Qantas-issued ticket number (often starting with '081') on the American Airlines "Find Your Trip" page or within their mobile app. If that still fails, contact American Airlines customer service with both your Qantas booking reference and the AA PNR you have.
How to Know if my Qantas Frequent Flyer status helps with seat selection on AA?
Qantas Frequent Flyer status generally doesn't directly confer complimentary seat selection on American Airlines operated flights, as each airline's loyalty program has its own benefits. However, some higher-tier Qantas members might receive preferential treatment if they call American Airlines, or if their Qantas booking places them in a higher booking class that inherently allows for free seat selection on AA. It's best to check American Airlines' policies or call them directly.
How to Select seats for multiple passengers on the same booking?
When you access your booking on the American Airlines website or app, you should be able to see all passengers on that booking and select seats for each individual.
How to Get a window or aisle seat if none are available online?
If no window or aisle seats are available online, keep checking periodically as seat assignments can change. Your best bet is to check again at the 24-hour mark when online check-in opens, or ask politely at the airport check-in counter.
How to Confirm my seat selection before departure?
Always check your booking on the American Airlines website or app closer to your departure date to confirm your seat assignment. You'll also see your assigned seat on your boarding pass when you check in.
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