Hi folks,
This will be my first time flying CZ. I am flying JFK-CAN in December then to MNL. I was told that as a Skyteam Elite plus member, I cannot choose seats toward the front of the cabin. They gave me seats in the 50s, albeit some nice aisle seats. They told me I had to pay $90 to get the seat with extra legroom. I would like to snag that extra legroom seat especially on the long JFK-CAN flight. Has anyone had success as a DL PM (ST elite) with obtaining the CZ economy preferred seats? The agent in China said to wait until check-in at the airport but I have a feeling they will be all gone by then. sky team eite plus members can get access to these seats, right? It sounded like they weren't sure. They also said I can check in one extra luggage. Has anyone checked 3 pieces without getting dinged with a charge as a STE+ member?

Also, which lounge at JFK, CAN.m and at MNL should I use? Is it the normal DL SC, as I’ve read or is there an alternate one for CZ? Is CAN easy to transit through? Do you think I should get a Chinese visa in case something happens and they need me to stay for a day? I saw horror stories on FT about not having visas when IRROPs occur.
Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!