I recently called the partner award desk and found two open seats in J on CX from SFO to BOM on suitable dates. I've recently moved to the Midwest, and I asked if I could add an AS connection from ORD to SFO (via either PDX or SEA), and the agent told me that such connections were not included in the award and that I would have to redeem a separate award for such a connection on AS/QX.

This seems contrary to the Mileage Plan conditions of membership, which state, "For members redeeming an award on a partner airline, connecting travel will be provided by Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air to the nearest gateway city of the airline partner at no additional charge."

Does anyone know whether the agent I spoke to was mistaken or whether there is some limitation on what AS/QX connections are permitted in conjunction with partner awards? I haven't called back yet, but I figured I should check the collective wisdom of Flyertalk before I do. Thanks!