Originally Posted by
Mike Jacoubowsky
... And, in the case of SAA, it won't matter. They still won't give a seat assignment, unless your fare class is high enough that it gets one for free. All because they say they have no way to charge you for one. No problem if not a codeshare. Then (I guess?) you have a direct relationship with them.
This has been an issue with other airlines, such as LH group. There will not / cannot touch a codeshare flight if it involves a financial transaction or a change (such as fare class).
It is interesting UA can do this (E+ fees, upgrades, ...) when they are the flight operator of a codeshare but the above has been reported by many for multiple airlines. A definitive downside for codeshares as more and more airlines are charging for seat assignments.
