Air New Zealand Air Points - Online check-in

I just bought a NZ domestic ticket for November 30 on airnewzealand.co.nz. When I finished with the purchase, it gave me the option of online check-in. I only went as far as picking seats, but what would have happened if I had continued the check-in process?

It would enable you to either print out or email your boarding pass.

http://www.airnz.co.nz/manage_bookings/check_in_online/default.htm

Six weeks before the flight? Doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose?

Yes, one would think so. I don't understand it, and it bugs me that it's harder to get premium seating now.

Yes, one would think so. I don't understand it, and it bugs me that it's harder to get premium seating now.

ditto

it bugs me that it's harder to get premium seating now.
I had no problem grabbing exit row seats. As far as I can tell, they seem to be the best seats on the plane (737-300).

Just booked two set of tickets online (separately) for myself and a non-status companion. Online checkin/seat selector wouldn't allow the non-status companion further forwards than 15C. I was immediately allocated 2DEF, with multiple rows in the front either having one or two empty seats or being entirely empty.

Looks like they've finally restricted non-status pax from taking the premium seats. Flight is for the 28th.

Just booked two set of tickets online (separately) for myself and a non-status companion. Online checkin/seat selector wouldn't allow the non-status companion further forwards than 15C. I was immediately allocated 2DEF, with multiple rows in the front either having one or two empty seats or being entirely empty.

Looks like they've finally restricted non-status pax from taking the premium seats. Flight is for the 28th.It's been like this since they allowed non-status passengers to select seats using online check-in. They also restrict the availability of these seats on easy check-in or self service-check-in or quick check-in or express check-in or rapid check-in or the whatever they are called machines.