Originally Posted by
RaflW
There are still issues, though it is better. One DL benefit that doesn't translate, at least online: Two on one PNR with different status. I can select an exit or Y+ seat for me (now that LK/AF know I'm plat, there was a lag of several months when they thought I was still a GM, I think based on ticking date). But I could only select a standard seat for my partner, or pay the fee. I think a call to the DM line might have overridden this, but didn't call. I'll try next time.
As an added wrinkle, KL moved him both times. One way, I'd booked aisle in the last row of Y+ intra-europe and he in the aisle directly behind me. At check in, he was in Y+, but a middle seat next to me. We made do for 2 hours, it wasn't that big a deal.
Return, I was in the solo exit extra legroom seat on the KL 737-7, partner in the exit aisle (std legroom, no fee seat). At check in, he was in the middle seat again. This time I managed to get him back into the aisle seat online during checkin via KLM site (which itself even working for an 006 ticket was new to me). Looking just before OLCI time, his seat assignment on KL was correct. So it's some auto feature that is annoying. We don't care if a random person is between us. Really, KL, we pick our seats intentionally.
When you change status, AF system will still recognize the previous unless you call and have them remove your FQTV and add it again.
The fee payment is not an issue but an actual rule. AF/KL seat plus benefit doesn't extend to anyone else traveling on the same resevation. When my wife was Silver and I was GM, I was able to select Y+ but it always asked for a payment when I tried to select a seat for my wife.
On the other hand, they are really good at blocking the seat next to you if there are seats still available. If you are traveling solo, this is an advantage, but if someone traveling with you on a different PNR wants to sit next to you, it's a pain to get it done. Most of the time it works via twitter, if not, we have to wait until we get to the airport.