This thread has given me some usefu information, thanks everyone for posting!
Originally Posted by
moondog
I agree that crediting flights to CI is a really bad idea for anyone who can't reap benefits from CI itself. But, getting into a good *A or ST FFP could be a smart course of action.
Moondog, count yourself lucky getting emergency exit row seats on a consistent basis, I am jealous.
Air China allows foreigners to sit in emergency exit row seats but unfortunately in many small airports such as Baotou where the check-in is handled by a consolidated airport authority they routinely tell you that CA forbids it. Arguing in Chinese gets you nowhere. Fortunately I have no problem departing from any airport when the agent wears a CA uniform.
But I have to admit preferred seating is not a Star benefit. And even in those small airports CA has gotten very good at recognizing Star benefits, including when they use a contract lounge. Not that the contract lounges are anything great, but that's another matter.....