airberlin topbonus - Benefits for OW emerald on AB ?

Title says it all. Have an upcoming intra-Germany flight.

Standard Emerald benefits, AB hasn't announced anything else:

http://www.oneworld.com/ffp/oneworld-benefits/

I've flown a few times on AB as a OW Sapphire. TXL has very clear signage, and a new elite counter for questions. Very friendly when my flight wasn't at the gate on my boarding pass, she knew instantly where I should go and thanked me for flying oneworld. That's about the only thing I've experienced...most AB airports have no priority boarding (only gate A02 at TXL), and I haven't checked any luggage.

As far as Lounge access, no problems accessing partner lounges...although, the woman at the BA Terraces at TXL made a face when I showed her my boarding pass. Maybe they're annoyed by all the new airberlin flyers.

As far as Lounge access, no problems accessing partner lounges...although, the woman at the BA Terraces at TXL made a face when I showed her my boarding pass. Maybe they're annoyed by all the new airberlin flyers.

The ladies @Terraces in TXL always look like that... Not the most service oriented lounge dragons.

BTW: w/ OW Sapphire I have often managed to get a guest in eventhough he had not been flying OW ...

Okay, lounge access is clear, but what about a seat reservation "free of charge" ?

Okay, lounge access is clear, but what about a seat reservation "free of charge" ?

That is answered in my link: AB is only required to offer the benefits there, and they haven't said anything else.

As with all things, you can call and ask politely if they'll assign seats for you for free.

That is answered in my link: AB is only required to offer the benefits there, and they haven't said anything else.


Well it states there:

"Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating*" with * meaning "*In accordance with the individual policy of the oneworld member airline operating the flight."
Which is not clear, and I was seeking for some specific answer: Do they or don't they offer seat reservations for OW emeralds?

The last time I called AB and asked the same question, I was told that up until this points, OW elite is not allowed to choose seat for free. They also don't know when thing will change, if it ever will.

The ladies @Terraces in TXL always look like that... Not the most service oriented lounge dragons.

BTW: w/ OW Sapphire I have often managed to get a guest in eventhough he had not been flying OW ...

Disagree! I find them very helpful! Especially during irops in LHR! If you ask nicely, you will get a nice answer!

The last time I called AB and asked the same question, I was told that up until this points, OW elite is not allowed to choose seat for free. They also don't know when thing will change, if it ever will.

I hope that they will offer it after a transition period. What I heard that not all systems are fully operational now.

I got free seating as Emerald on many airlines (BA, IB, AY, QF). No free seat reservation would be a big minus.

I hope that they will offer it after a transition period. What I heard that not all systems are fully operational now.

I got free seating as Emerald on many airlines (BA, IB, AY, QF). No free seat reservation would be a big minus.

Especially, as it is an OW Benefit.

Just want to report back...

I booked a ticket from FCO to FRA via VIE on Fly Niki yesterday for travel in June.

I am able to input my American Airlines AAdvantage number into the record (I notice that AB only has a few OW airlines listed under their FF number including their own topbonus, along with Finnair and S7). I presume you need to call AB 24 hours hotline in the US to enter other OW members' FF numbers.

Seat assignment - Well AB and HG sell XL seats but you have to call their reservation hotline to do it, as they need to verify the exit seat requirement. I am able to book the exit window seat on these A320s with no issue and the best part - AB computer is able to recognize my AA EXP number and my OW emerald status, and the exit row is available for free. So I can verify that OW Sapphire and Emerald members have access to premium and exit row seats for free, but you will have to CALL AB to reserve those seats.

According to the agent, you will receive most of the same benefits as their topbonus elite members, corresponding to the Oneworld status.

As an Oneworld Emerald member, I will be able to check in two pieces of bags weighing up to 30kg each for free. When I pull up the baggage extra section on my booking, the booking screen just said that I was not eligible for the service.

I am pleasantly surprised and AB agents are very friendly and personable.

Personally I consider Air Berlin is an average LCC airline with limited beverage and refreshment service (Used to be better with sandwiches on longer flights or flights at meal time). It is well run like most German airlines - on time and smooth. However I find their crews only average, but they will get their jobs done. Anyhow, there are a few things that I like - chocolate that they passed out as you exit from the plane and their BOB service. You will be able to pre-order hot meals in advance, and the food is actually very good. Please note AB top elite (OW Emerald) get a free gourmet meal, but OW members don't get those free hot meals. I booked my own warm meals online and was charged accordingly.

However I love Fly Niki, and their F/As are always friendly and a bit more personable than Air Berlin crews. They are prettier and more customer oriented. The airline will use Air Berlin planes from time to time, but the crew is still Fly Niki. They are also more generous with their refreshment service - sandwiches at meal times on most flights even shorter intra-European runs, and their BOB service is a bit different from AB. They feature DO & CO meal, which is very good and you will get a good business class quality meal for $14. It is not bad considered how things are expensive in Europe.

Anyway, I will report back when I fly HG in June and see if I have anything else to add, regarding priority boarding, check-in, baggage service, and lounge access.

To summarize:
OW members will get
- free baggage allowance corresponding to AB own elite status
- free seat assignment for premium rows and exit rows for OW Sapphire and Emerald members, but must call AB/HG to get the seat assignment.

Carfield

Thanks a lot, Carfield. Much appreciated.

Any word on the seats available for Ruby members? I suppose being allowed on the plane is benefit enough.

Called AB Int'l. nunber today to ask about my benefits as OW Emerald flying FRA-MUC (via TXL). Agent says my benefits is "only the miles".
I then ask again mentioning as a Oneworld Emerald member, I get benefits from partner OW airlines. Agent then repeats and says your benefits is "only the miles"
What? AB reps don't know anything about OW benefits! :confused:
How could OW allow AB to be a partner airline!

Anyway, I know I should get benefits so will insist upon check-in if not given any :mad:

Sometimes not all agents are very well informed... and it is better just to hang up and to call them again. Most of the AB agents are pretty friendly and hold times are pretty reasonable.

If you have entered your mileage number correctly, the computer should be able to see it and will not charge you any money when the agent requests a seat for you. They still have issues recognizing other OW elite numbers on line (at least in real time)... so it is better to call in. Even if the agent wants to charge you for the seat, s/he can't do it.

Call again and just said you want to book an exit seat, and the computer will inform the agent if s/he needs to charge you.

I am an AA EXP BTW.

Carfield

From LPA to NUR on a coach seat. Big A330 though. 3 hour layover in NUR and no Lounge ( Lufthansa has a lounge though. And then Nikki to Vienna. At least the Nikki Demel sandwich was good. Polite service but AB is low-cost airline with full OW prices. And after a month my miles are still not on my ba exec club account!

Call again and just said you want to book an exit seat, and the computer will inform the agent if s/he needs to charge you.

I am an AA EXP BTW.

Carfield

On my itin, MUC-VIE-MUC, they agreed to give me regular seats for free, but not the exit seats when I called 2 weeks ago. He insisted that I need to pay for exit seats and give me regular seats as a coutersy

Amazingly I found that I could not book a seat online for free and even most of the more attractive seats were showed as occupied - with my BA card on it. I then called to reserve a seat with my AB card and they instantly informed me that 1A had already been prebooked. Something appears to happen behind the scenes.

Don't worry, Flying Lawyer, the cross-recognition between OW FFP's is in there but not yet presented to the passenger. The scenario you describe happens all the time. As a tip: after booking your AB flight, log in to your BAEC or other OW FFP home airline and you should see the AB itenery displayed. You will also see the pre-assigned seats there. If you don't like it, call the AB service line for a change, I do it all the time.

Just because AB charges non-status pax for seats does not mean they don't reserve premium seating for status pax booking later. That's why the front portion of every aircraft will appear occupied if the booking engine has not recognised your status. And, exit row seats are also free, even if not all agents know that yet.

TF

Peter... I don't know what is going on...

But when I called, I was prepared to pay for the exit row seats, as in all my LCC flights. The agent just told me that there was no charge... I presume once the system recognizes your OW status, they won't charge you. Just tell them to put you in an exit seat and see if they want money. I am under the impression even if the agent wants to charge you, they can't do so.

If the agent insists that is not the case, you can ask for a supervisor or just hang up and call again!

However AB should be clearer about these OW benefits and states them in its website. It just needs to be better about doing the benefits because they are already in a disadvantage by not having a J cabin on intra-European cabin and not having too many benefits and lounges to offer other OW members.

Carfield

I've called multiple times into AB call center in US to get seat assignment for my flight next week from CPH to DUS. They have my EXP number in the record, but they want to charge me for the "extra legroom" and "seat assignment". It's an AB flight, but this is the treatment have received the past week trying to get a seat assignment. I have a short flight, but would like to get a seat assigned.

Peter... I don't know what is going on...

But when I called, I was prepared to pay for the exit row seats, as in all my LCC flights. The agent just told me that there was no charge... I presume once the system recognizes your OW status, they won't charge you. Just tell them to put you in an exit seat and see if they want money. I am under the impression even if the agent wants to charge you, they can't do so.

If the agent insists that is not the case, you can ask for a supervisor or just hang up and call again!

However AB should be clearer about these OW benefits and states them in its website. It just needs to be better about doing the benefits because they are already in a disadvantage by not having a J cabin on intra-European cabin and not having too many benefits and lounges to offer other OW members.

Carfield

Just got an email from Air Berlin... (I wrote them on April 16 and it took AB forty days to answer a simple inquiry!)

Unfortuantely OW Emeralds will not get extra baggage allowance.

Hello,

Thank you for your e-mail.

Concerning your baggage allowance, you do not have advantages on any of the other airlines participating in oneworld. The regular baggage allowance on airberlin flights is one piece up to 23 kg.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Wishing you a good weekend

Mr. T. Richhardt
topbonus Team

About seat assignments, I guess we have to pay and am not sure what happened in my case.

Now I begin to wonder what benefits does AB and HG provide to their Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members? Other than earning and redeeming miles, why does OneWorld admit a member, which cannot provide reasonable benefits to the OW family? I am going to write a strongly worded letter to Oneworld. Air Berlin is still mostly a LCC and its operating philosophy does not correspond to most OW members. So why will OW allow such a member to join the group without providing fellow OW members any realistic benefits?

Carfield

To be fair, OW does not promise additional baggage allowances on their FF benefits page:
http://www.oneworld.com/ffp/oneworld-benefits/

AB does offer additional checked baggage for all their elites:
2x23KG for Silver and Gold, 2x32kg for Platinum.

Also, Gold and Platinum are allowed a second piece of carry-on luggage (6kg). Except on flights to the US & Canada.

I agree this is very disappointing.

well I just got back from my first AB flight.... ZRH-HAM and back.... I am a BA gold card and did not know what to expect..... I got XL seats (emergency exit) assignet for me and my travelling companion free of charge,as well as special hot meal.... also for free quite strenge to have a hot meal on a 1h flight in europe.... :) for both the meal and seat assignment I had to call....

Once at the airport we got priority lane security stickers and lounge access at both ZRH and HAM.... Once on board the middle seat has been kept free on both flights .... Quite impress..... maybe AB is not having a so called business class... but fast track, lounge, middle seat free, and even hot meal... can we ask for more... Well done AB !

well I just got back from my first AB flight.... ZRH-HAM and back.... I am a BA gold card and did not know what to expect..... I got XL seats (emergency exit) assignet for me and my travelling companion free of charge,as well as special hot meal.... also for free quite strenge to have a hot meal on a 1h flight in europe.... :) for both the meal and seat assignment I had to call....

Once at the airport we got priority lane security stickers and lounge access at both ZRH and HAM.... Once on board the middle seat has been kept free on both flights .... Quite impress..... maybe AB is not having a so called business class... but fast track, lounge, middle seat free, and even hot meal... can we ask for more... Well done AB !

How did you handle to get the hot meal for free? They told me, that I can't get it for free. :(

How did you handle to get the hot meal for free? They told me, that I can't get it for free. :(

I am wondering the same thing, I can't even get a seat assigned for free :td:

well I tried to book a meal online... got a message error before the paiement ... i called them and they told me it was confirmed..... worked for me on 3 diff bookings.... getting the seat was more complicated.... the first agent said I had to pay... the second call i made he had to check it out came back saying he can block XL seat for free.... it seems they still need to train their staff but at least for me it worked.... good luck !

I am wondering the same thing, I can't even get a seat assigned for free :td:

Reserving prefered seats is definitely an OW perk at AB. Then you unfortunately always got the wrong call center agent. Try it again!

Well, about the gourmet menue I'm not having a clue at all. Maybe just an error and he got lucky, or it's also an OW Emerald benefit, I have no idea.

So an XL seat (intra-Germany) shall be free of charge for OW emerald ?
Just got off the phone with an agent telling me I had to pay.

+1111

Disagree! I find them very helpful! Especially during irops in LHR! If you ask nicely, you will get a nice answer!

So an XL seat (intra-Germany) shall be free of charge for OW emerald ?
Just got off the phone with an agent telling me I had to pay.

There are only two possible explanations. First, he is an idiot, or second, he lied to you. You're definitely eligible to get a preferred seat ( blocked seats, XL seats ) for free. The problem with AB is, most of the call center agents aren't well trained or these kind of agents don't want to be aware of these new changes. Just recall and if somebody is telling you again, you'll have to pay, then ask for the supervisor. Alternatively I recommend you to call the Gold Hotline instead of the normal AB hotline.

OK my first experience with AB as QF-Plat (Emerald).

I booked our whole family (Grandparents and Children) for a flight to Antalya in October. We have 1 Emerald 2 Sapphire (Wife and Dad) and 1 Ruby (Mum).

After I received the booking confirmation I called the Hotline.
He had no clue and transferred me to the Topbonus Hotline. I asked for our free reservation. The friendly lady said that it is only available for their own members, but she was not sure so called a supervisor.

Oddly the system did automatically assign seats for the Emerald and Sapphires. She saw that and realized that it should work. She removed and re-entered our QF-FF-Numbers and was able to do a seat reservation for free in the front part of the plane. So seat reservation and premium seating worked.

I have no need for seat blocking as the family sits perfectly in one row.

So well done in the end. Just about to book my next flights with AB.

Can you check, if you are abled to book a Gourmet Menue for free? Would be very interesting to know, whether it's possible or not as a non AB Emerald, since somebody has posted that he was abled to do it without paying money.

At Air Berlin's own hub of Berlin, the airline ought to clean up how it is providing OneWorld Sapphire and Emerald benefits.

Business class check-in as a coach-flying OW Sapphire/Emeraldy? It's a toss-up on whether or not the check-in agent makes a fuss about the situation or not -- even when the boarding pass reads Sapphire or Emerald and the persons are only going up for a security stamp at the check-in desk -- and tries to send a OW Sapphire/Emerald to the regular check-in lines or not.

Priority boarding? No calls for it most often.

Priority seating? Most AA elites I've booked on AB long-haul flights end up in middle seats, but quite often still get the seat next to them empty.

Lounge access? Contract lounges included at least beyond TXL.

At Air Berlin's own hub of Berlin, the airline ought to clean up how it is providing OneWorld Sapphire and Emerald benefits.

[...]

Priority boarding? No calls for it most often.

[...].

I've never seen priority boarding enforced (always called though). Not in TXl, nor MUC, DUS, CGN, STR... One of the gazillion items on the "must fix if serious about alliance"- list.

I've never seen priority boarding enforced (always called though). Not in TXl, nor MUC, DUS, CGN, STR... One of the gazillion items on the "must fix if serious about alliance"- list.

For most of the recent TXL-JFK flights on AB, priority boarding for OW elites has never been called (at least not in English); and every day this week, AB at TXL has been making a fuss over some OW partner elites in economy class trying to use the business class check-in (even as the signs over the business class check-in counters quite clearly show the OW Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald symbols) and trying to send many such people back to the economy class check-in. [For those connecting at TXL onto AB TXL-JFK, there is no avoiding the check-in counters at TXL since the raised "security" seal needs to be applied even to connecting boarding passes indicating departure from TXL to JFK; otherwise getting to the passport control and the screening checkpoint isn't generally allowed when it comes to that flight.]

I can see how outstations may be more likely to get things wrong when it comes to OW elite benefits, but a primary hub getting something so very basic so very wrong is inexcusable.

It's too bad that the minor fixes aren't coming faster there especially. [AB is actually much better on some short-haul routes than even national flag carriers that may have some history of serving the same route; and the AB A330s are pretty good (at least in economy class) than some of the planes that the US majors use to fly across the Atlantic; and the cabin crews are reasonably decent (and relatively more friendly in response to my requests) than the US majors.]

I welcome AB into OW, even as I do want to seem reliable delivery fo some basic aspects of the alliance membership elite benefits, particularly at a major hub for the airline.

Has anyone already experienced the access to the AB lounges ("privileged waiting area") in their non-hub airports?
Since there is no lounge-dragon and the Air Berlin status card is swiped to enter: is the access given by scanning the barcode on the boarding-pass for oneworld emerald members?

Has anyone already experienced the access to the AB lounges ("privileged waiting area") in their non-hub airports?
Since there is no lounge-dragon and the Air Berlin status card is swiped to enter: is the access given by scanning the barcode on the boarding-pass for oneworld emerald members?

Couldn't get in at MUC beginning of April. Wrote a "feedback" but haven't heard back since.

I am OW Emerald via AA EXP. I recently booked an economy intra-Europe flight on AB. I called the US line, selected the business class option, and had no problem getting my preferred seats assigned. The agent offered me 1F without a fuss.

We'll see how other upcoming intra-Europe flights go. I have one that I booked before AB joined OW, traveling on the same PNR with a non-status passenger, and I'm not sure what to expect.

One word about the AB situation - it is confusing and AB needs desperately to work on these benefits thing and telling the staffs what to do.

I flew HG from FCO to FRA via VIE last week and my experience was okay.
I was able to get an exit row seat for free through its US hot line but I paid for the gourmet meals that I ordered online. Topbonus Platinum supposes to get a free gourmet meal, but not sure about OW Emerald.

In FCO, I was able to use the priority check-in and the agent tagged my bag with a priority tag.

I hope AB and HG will do a better job in clarifying what OW elite members receive if we choose to fly AB/HG.

Carfield

We'll see how other upcoming intra-Europe flights go. I have one that I booked before AB joined OW, traveling on the same PNR with a non-status passenger, and I'm not sure what to expect.

Just an update to this thread. I called AB about the above flight today, and had both seats assigned to row 1 with no problems whatsoever. Again, I called the US line and selected business class.

The flight is about an hour and very early in the morning, so I didn't think to ask about meals.

Had now two shorthaul AB Flights, the only Benefits I got as an Emerald are Priority Check In, Priority Seating with Seat Blocking which quite worked well. I don't need to say, that there is still no access to their Exclusive Waiting Areas. Priority Boarding wasn't even announced. I was then in the BA Lounges both times ( MUC and TXL ). The BA staff also seemed to be quite annoyed with the Lounge situation regarding AB. Why is AB in OW if they don't give? I mean AB is getting paid for our Lounge entry, if there was one....

My recent coach experience on AB DUS-SFO on an A330-200 as OW Emerald (AA EXP):

Seat reservation: I called the US AirBerlin number to make a seat reservation. Unfortunately, there were no XL seats available, but I was able to make a reservation with no charge once I mentioned I was Emerald. I inquired about the seat hold and the agent didn't know what I was talking about and could not do it (more on this later).

Check-in DUS: I used the priority check-in. There were no lines and the check-in went smoothly. I checked one bag, which was free.

Lounge: I needed to show my AA EXP card to get in. The agent referenced the card to a large binder of various oneworld cards, made a photocopy, and let me in. Without the card, I probably would not have been allowed access. In the lounge there was free booze (nothing top shelf), beer, wine, and snacks (pretzels, rolls, and prepackaged cheeses and sausages).

Boarding: I was one of the last to board, so I don't know if they had priority boarding.

On board: The purser greeted me by name, introduced himself, and offered to be of assistance during the flight, all of which was unexpected. The A330 coach seats are tiny, but thankfully the adjacent seat was empty. I believe there may have been a hold on it because it seemed to be the only empty seat on the flight (If this was the case, and not me just being lucky, then this was a huge perk for such a long flight). Standard coach meals, the first was hot chicken or pasta, the second was a cold snack. There is free wine and beer, but they ran out about halfway through the 11.5 hour flight.

I was able to get free seat assignments for all of my upcoming flights as OW Emerald. When booking directly through airberlin seats in the front were automatically assigned (with BAEC Gold number on file).

I was able to get free seat assignments for all of my upcoming flights as OW Emerald. When booking directly through airberlin seats in the front were automatically assigned (with BAEC Gold number on file).

Does the AB website automatically recognize BAEC Gold status? It doesn't seem to recognize AA EXP status and still tries to charge extra for seat assignment. I suppose the best way to do this is to book the ticket on AB's website and then call to get seat assignment for OWE passengers.

Does the AB website automatically recognize BAEC Gold status?

Yes, in my experience the AB website does recognize BA status. Don't know about other OW elite levels though.


edited to add: for certain benefits

Does the AB website automatically recognize BAEC Gold status? It doesn't seem to recognize AA EXP status and still tries to charge extra for seat assignment. I suppose the best way to do this is to book the ticket on AB's website and then call to get seat assignment for OWE passengers.

No it doesn't, you have to call up.

I am OW Saphire via AA PLT. I booked my first AB flight 14th July. HEL-TXL-LPA-DUS-HEL.

The system let me put in my AA# but didn't acknowledge the status in any way that could be seen. However, I selected seats for the TXL-LPA and LPA-DUS segments online and paid for them.

Now when I check my Amex statement online, I can see that they have only charged me the amount of the actual ticket, nothing for the seat selections. Perhaps they won't charge for the seats at all.

I am thinking about booking an award flight on AB using BA Avios. I assume it will automatically add my BAEC account number on the reservation. Would it be possible to replace this with my AA number so I can get OW emerald privileges like advanced seat assignment and priority boarding, etc?

Should be no reason you can't do that after you've booked.

Bumping to see if there are any updates on the benefits for the new fare types introduced recently.

I found this page:
http://www.airberlin.com/site/landingpages/topbonus_yourfare.php?LANG=eng

Is it safe to assume Oneworld Emeralds get the same benefits as their top tier elite? The cheapest fare, justfly, does not seem to allow seat assignment even for their elites, so I'm assuming that it will be the same for Oneworld elites. One must purchase a minimum fare of "FlyClassic" in order to receive seat assignment, is that correct?

Are they a lot better now with recognizing Oneworld elites after a few more months of being in Oneworld? :confused:

Is it safe to assume Oneworld Emeralds get the same benefits as their top tier elite?
Pls see more recent post: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/airberlin-topbonus/1389155-ab-ow-emerald.html

1.) No tier benefits on justfly. Its a no frills ticket.
2.) Recognition works on chekck in. But as discussed in other thread, dont expect anything else than on OW website mentioned.

Hi folks,

just flew CGN - TLV on AB as part of an AA ticket & itinerary from the US but as a separate leg after a 5 day stopover in Europe.

Here follows my experience as an AA EXP.

Was able to check in online by accessing my booking on the AB website using the AA Record Locator.
Was able to choose any of the available seats on the plane including the ones usually blocked at no extra charge.
Upon physically printing the Boarding Pass I received 2 copies an original and a customer copy.The original is kept by GA upon boarding.
Boarding pass had fast track security access printed on it.
Upon dropping of checked luggage at the priority check in counters the agents weren't sure if I was entitled the second free bag as their own elites.After checking all their files and calling a supervisor the verdict was, 1 bag only at 23 KG unless you're an AB elite.

CGN has no lounge just one of those designated waiting areas for elites with not much there.Was declined entry upon swiping the EXP card or scanning the BP at the unmanned access gate.

Priority boarding wasn't announced and after boarding the people needing special assistance, general boarding was announced for the back of the plane Rows 16-31.

The middle seat next to me remained empty but that might have been coincidence.

Good flight experience in general.

Booked a short "just fly" ticket intra EU for March 2013.

Being OW emerald I called an english speakin CSR. He said he was 100% sure there were no benefits, and corrected to 1000% when I re-asked:D

It was adjusted to mean in-flight, as there would be some benefits at airport (check-in, lounge). Meaning no gourmet food, no priority boarding, no free seating, no added luggage.

I only pushed free seating, and he put me on hold and assumingly had it confirmed with topbonus dept. He also gave me the number, which turned out to be in german only, and just hanging up after a while letting me know they had too much traffic (930 pm local time).

Not too bothered for a 90 min flight, still far better than competing LCCs without lounge access, and god forbid FR:eek:

This is absolutely correct that as per conditions justfly won't allow you any perks except lounge access. No extra luggage (unless you pay first piece), no over the desk check-in (but you still need to get a sticker on your carryon), no seat reservation. Book fly classic and get free seating (except XL seats) and priority check-in over the counter option. Extra luggage is only for AB Elites. XL for free is only for AB*G/*P. Free gourmet meals are only fro AB*P. AB Waiting areas for AB Elites only.

I can book XL Seats for free as BA Gold! :)

I can book XL Seats for free as BA Gold! :)

even now after seating system seems be upgraded couple of weeks ago?

even now after seating system seems be upgraded couple of weeks ago?

Yes! :) Their system also never recognized my status. Thus, I don't know what to expect of them anymore.

Yes! :) Their system also never recognized my status. Thus, I don't know what to expect of them anymore.
Status (BA Emerald) is now always recognized for my bookings. Getting an XL seat for free has never been an issue, however I can't get a seat assigned online. Fair enough ;)

I really have no idea who programed their system but their status recognition for my BA Gold is hilarious. ;) I always have to call the hotline. However, calling them up gives you in 90% seatblocking. So, that's not a real disadvantage. On the other hand, I would really like to see the miracle of having my OW status on my AB boarding pass. :D

AB online booking management is rubbish, simple as.

The only way to select a seat in advance is to ring them up, and whilst if I don't do that and leave it till OLCI I've never had a problem getting a seat in row 1/3 (and normally have the next seat blocked), it would be preferable to do this in advance rather than having to remember in the 24hrs prior to the flight

Alright, I'm going to rant a bit so bear with me...

I flew BCN-PMI round-trip this weekend on AB. I booked it on Priceline (for cashback) as a retail ticket, and nowhere in the confirmations on the website or email did it say what booking code it was booked into apart from 'economy.' I popped on over to the AB website, and just finding the link to look up my booking was ridiculously challenging (figured out it was 'optional extras' under 'booking') and learned it was 'Z' class, their new and glamorous 'JustFly' category. Ok, fine, it was dirt cheap so I expected that. But a poor kettle would not have known this until showing up to the airport.

Still, their website makes no reference to whether or not OW Emeralds get the Gold, or Platinum equivalent benefits they list, which is frustrating.

I was connecting from an AA flight on the outbound so I interlined my bag and didn't have to pay anything. I even used the lounge in BCN with no issues as an EXP. The boarding gate agent about had a heart attack when she saw my AA-stock boarding pass issued for the AB flight. She had not a clue what it was... That was funny to watch all three of the AB boarding agents looking it over like it was some new animal specimen! All in all, outbound was fine.

Now the return from PMI was a comedic to say the least. I had prepaid one checked baggage for 15 Euros on their website per the rules of the fare. I also did mobile checkin to be safe. At check in the priority line was closed off and the economy line was huge. I flashed the Emerald card to the guy monitoring the line and he waived me through to the makeshift priority/bag drop line. Great, +1 for AB! When I get to the check-in the lady prints out my bagtag and starts yelling 'JustFly, JustFly, you must pay for zie bag!' I said I did pay for the bag online. She was then very puzzled and had to call over two other employees to guide her through the process. She kept claiming I did not pay for the bag, and this went back and forth for a while (of course I never got the 'invoice' from the AB website it claimed I would receive in 24 hours) until her colleague figured it out.

Settled, I then asked about the lounge. She said no, JustFly do not get lounge access. I started to push back on that one but didn't want to cause a scene. I then politely asked if I could have a paper boarding pass, as I collect them. She stated I would have to pay for it. Even though I knew this was a restriction of the JustFly category, I still had to give it a :rolleyes: for the Ryanair-like cheapness.

Still, I went to the lounge and was able to get admission with my AA card just fine as a Oneworld Emerald.

I remember flying AB about 10 years ago and really enjoyed the experience. This time, it left me feeling like they are a hot mess of an airline. They really need to figure out what they are; a network carrier worthy of being in a global alliance, or a cheap Ryanair copycat.

I don't quite get your rant. You are aware of the fact that they have a booking class that does not entitle you to certain benefits. You say you were happy with the price you paid. What exactly is the problem here? Your own airline does not grant lounge access even if you are in domestic first. Why should it be different here? AA charges for baggage. So does AB for certain fare classes.

I agree the boarding pass ritual is somewhat silly but at least they clearly state this in the description of JustFly fares.

So what exactly was the big problem here?

And the agent in PMI certainly did not pronounce a "the" as a "zie". I am there quite frequently and the staff is Spanish, not Dscherman. And by the way: I always find my booking code on my emails. You obviously had problems to find your fare bucket. And I always get confirmations. However, I am aware that some people missspell the email adresses - it even sometimes happens to me.

AB online booking management is rubbish, simple as.

The only way to select a seat in advance is to ring them up, and whilst if I don't do that and leave it till OLCI I've never had a problem getting a seat in row 1/3 (and normally have the next seat blocked), it would be preferable to do this in advance rather than having to remember in the 24hrs prior to the flight

This post is rubbish, simple as. It is only the "just fly" fare not allowing for seat reservation and this is published crystal clear in the fare rules. All other fares allow for an online seat reservation, either free or against charge. As a OW Emerald I am normally placed automatically in row 1.

This post is rubbish, simple as. It is only the "just fly" fare not allowing for seat reservation and this is published crystal clear in the fare rules. All other fares allow for an online seat reservation, either free or against charge. As a OW Emerald I am normally placed automatically in row 1.

True. I love to sit in 1C. Seat Blocking works in most cases.
Funny thing is that I can select my seat on qantas.com.au on the outbound leg, but not on the inbound leg. Always got 1C on my flights.

Your own airline does not grant lounge access even if you are in domestic first. Why should it be different here? AA charges for baggage. So does AB for certain fare classes.


AA does NOT charge Emeralds/Sapphires (including AB Emeralds/Sapphires) for baggage (2 pieces IIRC), regardless of the fare paid. AA allows Emeralds/Sapphires (other than AA EXP, but including AB Emeralds/Sapphires) access the lounges, even on fully domestic itineraries and regardless of the fare paid.

AB does give all Emeralds and Saphires Lounge access. No matter if domestic or international.

Luggage allowance is not a Oneworld benefit.

AA does NOT charge Emeralds/Sapphires (including AB Emeralds/Sapphires) for baggage (2 pieces IIRC), regardless of the fare paid.

Luggage is not a OW benefit. And AB does not charge for luggage at all - may you be status customer or not - unless you deliberately decide to book a fare called "Just FLY". And this means what it means.

There were several mentions of lack of priority boarding.

From AB's website, this seems to indicate there is no priority boarding per se, but you may board at anytime.

Priority Boarding
You can board your flight at any time, as soon as the aircraft is ready for boarding. Just show your topbonus Silver, Gold or Platinum Card.

Luggage is not a OW benefit. And AB does not charge for luggage at all - may you be status customer or not - unless you deliberately decide to book a fare called "Just FLY". And this means what it means.

Yes, yes - apologies - I fly to much with Star these days, where complimentary baggage/extra baggage is a published benefit. My bad...

There were several mentions of lack of priority boarding.

From AB's website, this seems to indicate there is no priority boarding per se, but you may board at anytime.

Never seen proper priority boarding on AB.

Sometimes they call the last rows first - if you flash your card you can board a bit earlier than the others. I did that once. I was quite fast in taking my seat in one of the front rows, but she started to shout at me: "It was not your turn, how dumb can you be, the last rows are allowed in first". I did not want an argument with that lady, just sat down.

Yes, AB could improve a bit in that - especially because it would be easy to implement.

Just took ZRH-DUS. Boarding was with self-service scan your own BP gates. They announced boarding by inviting AB/OW elite as well as row 15 and higher. However, no one really enforced anything.

On paper, AB does offer priority boarding to elites but in practice, the entire plane can board any time.

depends on route. exDUS for example they are most of times very strict regarding boarding order...

DUS definitely a lot better.

Was able to check-in at business line, access AB lounge without any issues. Fast Track security was printed on boarding pass. However, DUS airport should better enforce the fast track line.

What I do miss is that unlike US carriers, AB does not have dedicated priority boarding lines where elites/premiums can still cut in front of the line even if they miss their pre-boarding.

Are XL seats available for OneWorld elite? According to ab.com, at least 5 XL seats are unassigned. When I call AB, they said they were not available. Spoke with two separate agents.

DUS definitely a lot better.

Was able to check-in at business line, access AB lounge without any issues. Fast Track security was printed on boarding pass. However, DUS airport should better enforce the fast track line.

What I do miss is that unlike US carriers, AB does not have dedicated priority boarding lines where elites/premiums can still cut in front of the line even if they miss their pre-boarding.

From my understanding Fast Track is enforced by the automatic readers.

From my understanding Fast Track is enforced by the automatic readers.

I've only saw the readers on the Lufthansa side of the airport where you do have to scan your boarding pass yourself and in theory it should be enforced there.

On the AB side (C gates) there are no self-service scanning since general and premium security share a common staging area. Staff is on hand to scan BP to ensure you below here. Once in the staging area, there are several security lines. There's a sign on the left for First/Business. However there is no mechanism for checking those on this line are eligible to be on the line.

Are XL seats available for OneWorld elite? According to ab.com, at least 5 XL seats are unassigned. When I call AB, they said they were not available. Spoke with two separate agents.

Yes, they are. I am usually placed automatically into 1C.
Sometimes others are faster than me with the reservation.

I can sometimes do the reservation online on qantas.com.au after I added my QF-Plat-Number. Otherwise I just call and get what I want.

Yes, they are. I am usually placed automatically into 1C.
Sometimes others are faster than me with the reservation.

I can sometimes do the reservation online on qantas.com.au after I added my QF-Plat-Number. Otherwise I just call and get what I want.

Qantas.com lets me assign row 1 but that row is not XL. It is just a seat held for elite.

XL are the exit row seats and qantas.com does not let you grab that because even if it is not occupied, it will appear as blocked.

In expert flyer, these seats never appear avail. They either appear as occupied (because they are occupied) or they appear as blocked (when they are actually avail).

The problem I'm seeing is that the seat is free according to ab.com and expert flyer, but AB phone agent is saying it is not. I'm seeing the same thing even on flights more than 6 months from now.

after seating system was recently updated one need to get first confirmed SR XLST request - and that would make emergency exit seats available for choose. though if XLST free of charge approved for OW elites I have no idea... for me as AB*G it is approved directly.

Thanks. So when I call AB, what keywords do I need to say to them? Th SR XLST request...is that to confirm passenger is exit row eligible?

You can try it. Dunno if it will work though..

*LOL*

Funny that one should tell the call center agent what exactly (s)he needs to do in order to get what one wants.
"SR XLST" is a specific system entry to display available exit seats in the seatmap. Without this entry prior to the actual seat reservation all exit seats, whether actually available or not, will be displayed as unavailable.

well, not so simple :) actually this entry existed for very long time now, but begun to work very last week. so if somebody would ask me 1 week ago I would tell that this entry is meaningless. just that I have my own booking this week with AB and was "playing" a bit with seat assignments - so I realized that XLST is working now as it was supposed before... But I wouldn't expect everyone even at AB CS to know that recent change.

I've only saw the readers on the Lufthansa side of the airport where you do have to scan your boarding pass yourself and in theory it should be enforced there.

On the AB side (C gates) there are no self-service scanning since general and premium security share a common staging area. Staff is on hand to scan BP to ensure you below here. Once in the staging area, there are several security lines. There's a sign on the left for First/Business. However there is no mechanism for checking those on this line are eligible to be on the line.

95 or more percent of the AB flights depart from the B gates and there certainly is an elite gate and an extra fast track line.

Thanks. So when I call AB, what keywords do I need to say to them? Th SR XLST request...is that to confirm passenger is exit row eligible?

I just noticed yesterday that I lost my exit row seat assignments on my BUD-TXL (due to equipment change) and TXL-JFK (no equipment change, relegated to row 39 from row 14). I could put myself in more apropriate seats using the RJ.com tool (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-aadvantage/1372610-aa-plt-access-aa-preferred-seats-ba-award-ticketing-aa-flight.html#post19160405), but still not into exit row seats. On ExpertFlyer I checked that there were unoccupied exit row window seats and with that information I called AB customer service today. The agent confirmed that as a Sapphire I should get those seats for free, but claimed that all exit row seats had been booked previously. I told her that I could see some seats blocked, but not occupied on ExpertFlyer and other travellers had reported similar issues with AB exit row seats. She put me on hold for ca. 5 minutes and came back with seat assignments in exit row window seats. I did not mention the "SR XLST" code, but I would've used that if the inital request hadn't been succesful.

The flights are still about a month out, I hope that the seat assignments will last till that time.

I have a seat reservation, but not for an XL seat.

The helpful agent told me that XL seats could only be booked free of charge by Topbonus Elites, not partner elites.

I rooted around on AB.com and finally found the chart that says "Unrestricted choice of preferred seats for status customers" with Emerald status.

Try, try again.

Do you have a URL link?

Do you have a URL link?

http://62.50.43.44/site/landingpages/topbonus_oneworld.php?LANG=eng

http://62.50.43.44/site/landingpages/topbonus_oneworld.php?LANG=eng

I also found this page and intended to use if I had encountered any problems, but I still think that it is intended to show benefits that apply in the other direction, i.e. benefits available to AB elites on other OW airlienes. Don't you think so?

This chart seems similar to the one found on oneworld.com. The disclaimer concerning preferred seats is

* Subject to the terms and conditions set by the oneworld member airline operating the flight.

I'll have AB a call again and will report results.

I called back this morning. After confirming that I was Emerald, I was able to choose an XL seat.

I did not have to refer to the chart.

The old FT truism - call back if you don't like the original answer.

Which country call centre did you call? I just had a call today to the US call centre and agent was still saying they are not available.

And by XL, you are referring to an exit row seat?

UPDATE: Called Germany. Agent transferred me to topbonus since it was an award. topbonus agent was able to immediately assigned XL seats after seeing my Saphhire status.

Which country call centre did you call? I just had a call today to the US call centre and agent was still saying they are not available.

And by XL, you are referring to an exit row seat?

UPDATE: Called Germany. Agent transferred me to topbonus since it was an award. topbonus agent was able to immediately assigned XL seats after seeing my Saphhire status.

I called the US number. And yes, I was referring to exit row. I am also on an award flight.

While I called the US number, I strongly suspect I was talking to a native German speaker (I am too), which may or may not indicate that I was transferred to the German call center.

I'm glad it all worked out!

Thanks.

It sounds like that posts from earlier this year concerning OW benefits have been worked out and communicated within AB.

On my last trip, I was able to pre-assign seats in the forward portion of economy cabin (without charge), check-in at J counters, have Fast Track printed on boarding pass, and access AB-operated lounge (in DUS) without any problems.

XL seat assignment seems to be an issue with agents needing to be trained on how to see true exit row availability. Once they see the seat is available, OW Emerald and Sapphire can get these seats free of charge.

Thanks.

It sounds like that posts from earlier this year concerning OW benefits have been worked out and communicated within AB.

On my last trip, I was able to pre-assign seats in the forward portion of economy cabin (without charge), check-in at J counters, have Fast Track printed on boarding pass, and access AB-operated lounge (in DUS) without any problems.

XL seat assignment seems to be an issue with agents needing to be trained on how to see true exit row availability. Once they see the seat is available, OW Emerald and Sapphire can get these seats free of charge.

No luck getting an XL seat as one world sapphire for jfk-dus. called us service center and german topbonus center.

Hang up, try again.

No luck getting an XL seat as one world sapphire for jfk-dus. called us service center and german topbonus center.

You list your status as AA Gold. If that's correct, then you're only OW Ruby. The equivalent to OW Sapphire is AA Plat.

You list your status as AA Gold. If that's correct, then you're only OW Ruby. The equivalent to OW Sapphire is AA Plat.

I know that; my profile is not accurate. I am OW Sapphire (made AA platinum with double miles promo). I just haven't got around to getting it updated.

I was able to get XL assign on another flight two weeks ago. Called Germany. This time the agent put me on hold while she got topbonus to assign XL as she indicated she was not able to.

I asked on Facebook, was told that they are free. I still have not been able to get them reserved! ugh.

Did you get the AB CSR to confirm your OW status is showing up? Called Germany and ask to be transferred to topbonus even if you didn't redeem using AB miles.

Did you get the AB CSR to confirm your OW status is showing up? Called Germany and ask to be transferred to topbonus even if you didn't redeem using AB miles.

Yes, I have spoken with topbonus in germany and my number is showing up. they assure me that it entitles me to choose a seat only, not an xl seat.

Had to change a reservation today for a flight in FEB and was able to get XL. But AB CSRs are definitely YMMV.

All four attempts within a span of 10 hours with different information provided.

Attempt 1 - Called US line. Agent indicated charge for seat. After I mention OW Saphhire, no charge. Saw no XL avail despite expertflyer saying two were avail.
Attempt 2 - Called US line 5 hours later. Agent saw two XL avail. Agent indicated charge for ALL type of seats even with OW Saphhire. I suggested he double check. Came back and said no charge for regular seat but charge for XL.
Attempt 3 - Called German line. Saw my OW Saphhire and confirmed no charge but didn't see any XL available. expertflyer still showing the same two seats were avail. Asked to be transfer to topbonus as I had to go thru this the last 3 times. I guess she was a little offended when she replied that she worked here for two years and know when a seat is avail and when it is not. Politely agreed with her that it is not avail and I'll call back at a later day.
Attempt 4 - Called German topbonus directly (0049 030 3434 3433 ext 0 for English follow by option 3). Agent saw my OW Sapphire and confirmed no charge. At first she also said XL not avail but then she looked a bit further, placed me on hold, and assigned XL.

I'm sorry to say that compared with AA (and they can be YMMV - last night agent told me AB not part of OW but she did correct herself), AB CSRs needs to have a company wide training on policy.

Flying from mia to mxp, I can get award (economy) thru JFK (AA) or DUS (AB). Which do you recommend?

Are you OW Emerald/Sapphire?

Are you OW Emerald/Sapphire?
Emerald. (I misspoke) Thanks

More extra legroom seats on AA. Flagship lounge at JFK. DUS J lounge not much to write home about.

Don't forget the new OW wide benefits just announced

2 unsuccessful attempts so far

(1) US Line- No luck with getting XL seats- said there is 60 EUR charge

(2) Called German topbonus directly. The lady placed me on hold to check. She came back later and said nope- no free XL seats to OW Emeralds.

This is so painful..


Had to change a reservation today for a flight in FEB and was able to get XL. But AB CSRs are definitely YMMV.

All four attempts within a span of 10 hours with different information provided.

Attempt 1 - Called US line. Agent indicated charge for seat. After I mention OW Saphhire, no charge. Saw no XL avail despite expertflyer saying two were avail.
Attempt 2 - Called US line 5 hours later. Agent saw two XL avail. Agent indicated charge for ALL type of seats even with OW Saphhire. I suggested he double check. Came back and said no charge for regular seat but charge for XL.
Attempt 3 - Called German line. Saw my OW Saphhire and confirmed no charge but didn't see any XL available. expertflyer still showing the same two seats were avail. Asked to be transfer to topbonus as I had to go thru this the last 3 times. I guess she was a little offended when she replied that she worked here for two years and know when a seat is avail and when it is not. Politely agreed with her that it is not avail and I'll call back at a later day.
Attempt 4 - Called German topbonus directly (0049 030 3434 3433 ext 0 for English follow by option 3). Agent saw my OW Sapphire and confirmed no charge. At first she also said XL not avail but then she looked a bit further, placed me on hold, and assigned XL.

I'm sorry to say that compared with AA (and they can be YMMV - last night agent told me AB not part of OW but she did correct herself), AB CSRs needs to have a company wide training on policy.

Don't forget the new OW wide benefits just announced

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/oneworld/1433658-new-ow-emerald-benefits.html

If OW Emerald (AA EXP) traveling on an AA First class ticket to FRA and connecting on a AirBerlin - any extra benefits? I assume free baggage, XL seats, and lounge access.

I guess nothing special for F passenger over OW Emerald? Or maybe not as good?

Returning on AB from TXL but with overnight stop in FRA before AA First flight to DFW - do you get benefits and free luggage for TXL to FRA flight?

Does OW First passenger get XL Seats at time of booking?

My recent experience with AB was very good - I was not charged for the seat selection (even though I picked this option when purchasing the ticket on-line); on the plane I was greeted by the senior cabin crew member and all drinks (including champagne) were free for me (I was told it's an OW EMD benefit); not sure if food is free as well as I pre-paid for a special meal.

Was at DUS Sunday. C gates security didn't have fast track. They had it back in Dec.

No priority boarding was announced for elite to JFK. Boarding started with rows 1-4 (business) and 35+ as ONE group. You just have to know you can board early as an elite.

Did you get the AB CSR to confirm your OW status is showing up? Called Germany and ask to be transferred to topbonus even if you didn't redeem using AB miles.

Use the Amadeus Hotline. These people are properly educated and know what they are talking about. The call centres in Poland or wherever are generally useless.

Amadeus hotline give me issues all the time.

For those that have had success, what time of day (in Germany) have you been calling? The US 800# routed to Berlin when I called in the evening (midnight German time) but the agent would not assign me XL as OW Sapphire. When I called the Amadeus hotline in the morning (early afternoon German time), I seemed to get a much better agent (also in Berlin) who assigned me the seat without batting an eye. I'm wondering if the CSRs on the dayshift are better trained than their overnight counterparts.

OW Emerald flying w/ no status person on AB. Is XL available?

Also- Does AB miles to AA account 100% and are their elite bonuses?

For those that have had success, what time of day (in Germany) have you been calling? The US 800# routed to Berlin when I called in the evening (midnight German time) but the agent would not assign me XL as OW Sapphire. When I called the Amadeus hotline in the morning (early afternoon German time), I seemed to get a much better agent (also in Berlin) who assigned me the seat without batting an eye. I'm wondering if the CSRs on the dayshift are better trained than their overnight counterparts.

The Amadeus Group are not CSR but in particular working for travel agents. And they are not only better trained but have - as you would say in the anglosaxon world - studied for three years. The call centre agents are most frequently "trained monkeys" and do not even understand the difference between a topbonus and an executive club award ticket. I have doubts that the main group is based in Berlin. I frequently get Eastern European accents.

OW Emerald flying w/ no status person on AB. Is XL available?

Also- Does AB miles to AA account 100% and are their elite bonuses?

1. Yes
2. No

1. Yes
2. No


THX

The Amadeus Group are not CSR but in particular working for travel agents. And they are not only better trained but have - as you would say in the anglosaxon world - studied for three years. The call centre agents are most frequently "trained monkeys" and do not even understand the difference between a topbonus and an executive club award ticket. I have doubts that the main group is based in Berlin. I frequently get Eastern European accents.

Thanks for the information, that's good to know. I asked at the end of my call in German where the CSR was based, and in (what my anglosaxon ears thought was accent-free) German she replied Berlin... but who knows. I've also spoken to CSRs named "Jeff" from other companies who were clearly in India but insisted they were based in Oregon.

Tried to get the here mentioned OW benefits, but only got the free seat assignment. Has anyone received the free Premium Meal recently?

Premium meal is not a OW emerald benefit.

May be anybody knows?
OW Sapphire and no status person flying on AB/NIKI and have two separate booking references. Can I select seat free for charge only for myself or for my companion too?
Thank you.

Can always try, but hard enough to get a seat assignment even with status as it is.

Premium meal is not a OW emerald benefit.

Hm okay, so I have to raid the lounge then :D

The DUS and TXL lounge offerings for food when I fly AB via there are pretty slim -- better than domestic US AA ACs but that is not saying a lot.

I am not sure what is up for free baggage allowance on TATL AB flights as OW Sapphire or Emerald, but all of our recently AA-ticketed AB flights are showing at least one free bag of 50lbs/23kgs and second free bag of 32kgs per passenger.

Booked a short "just fly" ticket intra EU for March 2013.

Being OW emerald I called an english speakin CSR. He said he was 100% sure there were no benefits, and corrected to 1000% when I re-asked:D

It was adjusted to mean in-flight, as there would be some benefits at airport (check-in, lounge). Meaning no gourmet food, no priority boarding, no free seating, no added luggage.

I only pushed free seating, and he put me on hold and assumingly had it confirmed with topbonus dept. He also gave me the number, which turned out to be in german only, and just hanging up after a while letting me know they had too much traffic (930 pm local time).

Not too bothered for a 90 min flight, still far better than competing LCCs without lounge access, and god forbid FR:eek:

This was booked back in Oct, and flew OSL-TXL last week. Went to the check in desk at OSL, to get luggage tags, but they were not used at OSL. No fast track for security but good lounge. Newspapers, wifi, alcohol, decent food/snacks. Not sure if it was priority boarding, but we boarded first. I had added my AA EXP, which at time of flight had become OW sapphire. GF had added OW emerald. Separate tickets, but I got a 3 seater at row 7 on a rather full plane, while GF at least had a blocked middle seat. Assuming it was due to status. Served free soft drink and a fresh muffins. Modern stewardesses wearing jeans was a new one. Not sure if its regular outfit or due to 8 March? No tax free shopping at arrival TXL was disappointing, but a 15 min + cab ride to the free minibar at the BRGed suite at IC made up for that part.

OLCI is only 30h prior- which should have been longer. Upon checking in for the return TXL-OSL I noticed on the OLCI BP that emerald GF ha been given 2 pieces of handbags+ laptop, while I only had one handbag at 6 kg. BP as MMS was not an option for me but was for GF. Got them printed at IC for free.
Went to priority desk at check in to get luggage tags. We were given new BPs, both showing 1 piece only+ fast track. The paper tags for carry on should be collected for future use:D Unless they add them in the computer? He didnt say a word on GFs 7.7kg bag. No line at priority desk or at fast track. Then for the "lounge". Didnt get our BPs to work at the scanner at the door, and the present phone didnt work at first, but as another guy swiped his top bonus card we just entered the unmanned lounge. Not sure of the actual policy.

Free wifi- evidenced by this post. Basic furniture, not too comfy. Soft drink machine with free soft drinks. A few newspapers and TVs. Tea/coffe machine out of order.

Waiting to see if any luggage checks or priority boarding at gate soon.

Dont know if there was priority boarding as I had a quick visit to tax-free, but there was no check of luggage weight or tags at boarding. No Ryanair style agents sneaking around.

In any case I suggest you keep those luggage tags for future use (bring some tape to attach it)! Avoiding having to go to counter 60 min pre flight, and weighing it as well^

Maybe start trading tags on CC:D

I read the crew instructions to handle an OW Emerald on board on HG flights

You are entitled to get:
- Free premium menu
- Free unlimited booze

They also have to greet you by your name and offer you a lot of amenities.