Choosing your seats for a British Airways flight when you've booked through American Airlines can feel like navigating a maze, but don't worry, it's a common scenario and definitely manageable! Many travelers fly on "codeshare" flights, where one airline sells a ticket for a flight operated by another. In this case, American Airlines is the "marketing carrier" and British Airways is the "operating carrier." Understanding this distinction is key to securing your preferred spot.
Ready to take control of your flight experience? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Unraveling the Mystery of Your Booking Reference!
Alright, future traveler, before we even think about window or aisle, let's make sure you have the right key to unlock your seat selection. You booked your flight through American Airlines, which means you have an American Airlines booking reference (often 6 characters, a mix of letters and numbers). However, to manage your British Airways operated flight directly, you'll need the British Airways booking reference.
Where to find it?
Check your American Airlines confirmation email: Often, if there's a codeshare segment, the British Airways reference number will be provided somewhere in the details, sometimes under a section like "Operating Carrier Information" or "Flight Details." Look for a 6-character alpha-numeric code that is different from your AA PNR (Passenger Name Record).
Log in to your American Airlines "Manage My Booking" or "My Trips": Once you've pulled up your itinerary on AA.com, navigate to the specific British Airways flight segment. There should be a "Choose Seats" link or a note with the British Airways booking reference. American Airlines has a specific "deeplink" function that can take you directly to BA.com's seat selection page.
Contact American Airlines (if all else fails): If you've scoured your emails and AA's website and still can't find it, don't hesitate to call American Airlines customer service. Explain that you need the operating carrier's (British Airways') booking reference for your codeshare flight so you can select seats.
Why is this so important? Think of it like a secret handshake. Your AA booking reference gets you into the general party, but the BA booking reference is what lets you into the VIP lounge where seat selection happens.
 |
| How To Choose Seats On British Airways Booked Through American Airlines |
Step 2: Accessing British Airways' "Manage My Booking"
Once you have that elusive British Airways booking reference, the real magic begins!
Navigate to the British Airways Website: Go to
www.britishairways.com Find "Manage My Booking": This is usually prominently displayed on the homepage. Click on it.
Enter Your Details: You'll be prompted to enter your British Airways booking reference (the 6-character code you just found) and your last name.
Voila! You should now be able to see your British Airways flight details.
Step 3: Understanding British Airways Seat Selection Policies and Fees
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Now that you're in the BA system, it's crucial to understand their rules regarding seat selection, as they differ significantly from American Airlines.
Sub-heading: When Can You Select Your Seat for Free?
British Airways typically charges for advance seat selection for most economy fares. However, there are exceptions:
24 Hours Before Departure: For most economy fares (excluding "Basic" or hand-baggage-only fares), you can select a standard seat for free when online check-in opens, which is usually 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. Keep in mind that by this point, preferred seats might already be taken.
Executive Club Status: If you have British Airways Executive Club status (Bronze, Silver, Gold) or equivalent oneworld alliance status (like AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum, or Gold), you might be eligible for free seat selection earlier:
Gold/oneworld Emerald: Free seat selection from the time of booking for everyone in your booking and even friends/family on other bookings traveling with you in the same class.
Silver/oneworld Sapphire: Free seat selection (excluding exit row seats on long-haul flights) from the time of booking for everyone in your booking.
Bronze/oneworld Ruby: Free standard seat selection (excluding exit row seats) from seven days before departure.
First Class & Business Class (Club World): Seat selection is generally free from the time of booking in these premium cabins.
Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus): Seat selection is usually included from the time of booking.
Traveling with Children: British Airways endeavors to seat families together. If you're traveling with an infant (under 2 years), you can often select seats for free at any time. For children aged 2-11, BA will allocate seats a few days before departure to ensure they are seated with at least one adult from the booking, but paying in advance gives you more choice.
Flexible Fares: Some higher-priced, more flexible economy fares may include free seat selection from the time of booking.
Sub-heading: Paying for Your Preferred Seat
If you don't fall into one of the free selection categories or want to guarantee a specific seat (like a window, aisle, or exit row), you will likely need to pay.
Varying Costs: Seat selection fees vary significantly based on your cabin, the length of the flight, and the specific seat type (e.g., standard, exit row, bulkhead). You'll see the exact price when you go to select your seat.
Payment Options: You can typically pay using a credit card or, in some cases, British Airways Avios.
Step 4: Selecting Your Seats!
Now for the exciting part!
Locate the "Seating" or "View/Change Seats" Option: Within your "Manage My Booking" details for your specific flight, you'll see a section related to seating. Click on the relevant link.
View the Seat Map: British Airways will display a seat map of your aircraft. This is where you can see which seats are available and their associated costs (if any).
Choose Your Desired Seat(s): Click on the seats you wish to reserve. The system will usually highlight your selection and show you the total cost if you need to pay.
Complete the Payment (If Required): If there's a fee, you'll be prompted to enter your payment details. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the purchase.
Confirmation: Once confirmed, your seat selection will be processed. You might receive a separate email confirmation from British Airways regarding your seat selection.
Important Note: Even after selecting and paying for your seats on BA.com, these seat assignments may not display on your American Airlines itinerary or app. This is a common quirk of codeshare bookings. Rest assured, if you've received a confirmation from British Airways, your seats are booked. You can always check back on BA's "Manage My Booking" page using your BA booking reference to verify.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Step 5: What if You Can't Select Seats Online?
While the online process is generally straightforward, there might be rare instances where you encounter issues.
Technical Glitches: Websites can be temperamental. Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser.
Booking Discrepancies: Occasionally, there might be a hiccup in how the booking transferred between American Airlines and British Airways.
Call British Airways Directly: If you've tried everything online and are still unable to select seats, your best bet is to call British Airways customer service. Have your British Airways booking reference handy and explain the situation. They should be able to assist you directly. Be prepared for potentially longer wait times, especially during peak travel periods.
Step 6: Post-Selection Considerations
Changes and Refunds: If you need to change your seat after booking, you can usually do so through British Airways' "Manage My Booking" (subject to availability). If you paid for a seat and switch to a more expensive one, you'll pay the difference. If you switch to a cheaper seat, you typically won't get a refund for the difference. If British Airways makes an involuntary change to your seat (e.g., due to an aircraft swap), you may be eligible for a refund of your seat selection fee.
Check-in: Even if you've selected your seats in advance, remember to check in online for your British Airways flight, typically starting 24 hours before departure. This will finalize your boarding pass.
Choosing your seats for a codeshare flight can require a few extra steps, but with this guide, you're well-equipped to ensure a comfortable journey on your British Airways flight!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find my British Airways booking reference if I booked through American Airlines?
You can usually find your British Airways booking reference (a 6-character alpha-numeric code) within your American Airlines confirmation email or by logging into your American Airlines "Manage My Trips" and looking for a "Choose Seats" link or direct mention of the operating carrier's reference for the British Airways segment.
How to know if my American Airlines flight is operated by British Airways?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
When you book your flight, it will typically state "Operated by British Airways" next to the flight number. This information is also visible in your American Airlines itinerary, confirmation email, and on their website when you view your booking details.
How to select seats for free on a British Airways flight booked through American Airlines?
Free seat selection on British Airways is generally available for most economy fares when online check-in opens (24 hours before departure). If you have British Airways Executive Club status (or equivalent oneworld alliance status like AAdvantage Platinum/Emerald/Sapphire), or are flying in First, Business, or Premium Economy, you may be eligible for earlier free selection.
How to pay for seat selection on British Airways when booked via American Airlines?
Once you've retrieved your British Airways booking using their 6-character booking reference on BA.com's "Manage My Booking," you'll see the seat map with prices. You can then select your desired seat and pay the fee directly to British Airways using a credit card or Avios.
How to ensure my family sits together on a British Airways codeshare flight?
To guarantee your family sits together, it's best to select seats in advance through British Airways' "Manage My Booking" and pay any applicable fees. While BA attempts to seat families together a few days before departure if seats aren't chosen, advance selection offers the most certainty.
How to change my seat on British Airways after booking through American Airlines?
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
You can change your seat on British Airways by logging into BA.com's "Manage My Booking" with your British Airways booking reference. Seat changes are subject to availability, and you may need to pay a difference if you select a more expensive seat.
How to get a refund for paid seat selection on British Airways?
Refunds for paid seat selection on British Airways are typically only issued if British Airways involuntarily changes your seat (e.g., due to an aircraft change) and cannot provide a suitable alternative, or if your flight is cancelled. Voluntary changes to a lower-priced seat are generally not refundable for the difference.
How to check my seat assignment on a British Airways flight after booking through American Airlines?
After selecting your seats on BA.com, the confirmed seat assignment will be visible within your British Airways "Manage My Booking" using your BA booking reference. It's important to note that these seat assignments may not always display on your American Airlines itinerary.
How to get my British Airways booking reference if I booked a package holiday through American Airlines?
If you booked a package holiday, you might need to wait until your e-ticket has been issued to receive your British Airways booking reference. If it's not provided in your initial documentation, contact American Airlines or your travel agent to request it.
How to handle issues with seat selection on a British Airways codeshare flight?
If you encounter any issues selecting seats online, first try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser. If the problem persists, contact British Airways customer service directly with your British Airways booking reference. They can assist with technical difficulties or manual seat assignments.
 |
