Just to update it got all sorted after I called JAL and selected the frequent flyer option - they couldn't do it but put me through to Finnair who were very helpful and got me my seat! So all ended well....
Originally Posted by
ffay005
Now I understand. Codeshares are definitely a nuisance. However, there's something you could try. Call AY web help desk, open 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 6 pm weekends. The numer is +358 9 818 1611. Ask them about the Finnair/Amadeus booking reference (varaustunnus). They'll give it to you when you tell them your name and when you will be flying.
With that booking reference, you will be able to access the reservation at
www.finnair.fi at MMB. You should be able to pick a seat now. If you scroll back, you can see that I was able to pick a seat on my AY flight, with AA flight number.
Please try this and let us know if it works. Codeshares are a mystery – it could well be that it works like a charm, but then again, it could be that the JL/AY combo works differently from AA/AY and that the comfort seats are off limits to non-AY-ticketed passengers – or anything.
Just don't book any codeshares in the future. That's what I do – except for this one time, testing with my upcoming MIA flights just for the heck of it.