Originally Posted by
ijgordon
I think OP was also effectively inquiring as to whether the it's the rules of the booking carrier or the operating carrier that apply. I don't think there's a generic answer applicable to all carriers/programs, and I think sometimes it gets complicated.
But I guess you're suggesting that a passenger on a FlyingBlue award on a DL flight will be able to pre-assign a seat. Beyond that, will DL status help here, since the DL FF# won't even be in the reservation (and not sure you can even put it there on a partner award ticket?) Or is FB status relevant for the FB award ticket?
You can put a DL FF# on a AF/KLM-ticketed reservation. Remember that the FF # and the ticketing carrier are two separate things. Some agents might say "you purchased through Flyingblue so you must retain your FB number." Hang up and try again.
Remember that the miles are just a form of payment that's linked to your FB account. Once you've purchased a ticket (regardless of with cash or FF miles), you can change the FF number.
I've successfully done this numerous times by ticketing via AF or KLM, and swapping to my DL number. I've also done it by ticketing through Avianca and swapping over to my UA number. You just need to call the operating carrier (who down the line will be responsible for recognizing your FF benefits).