I flew AKL-BKK in Y, had preselected 31C, with 31A/B blocked as usual by the system for Airport Control use (baby cot usually).
On the 789, only bulkhead seats 31C, 31F and 31H were preselectable for flexi-saver and better fares. This was before Preferred Seats was implemented. Now all row 31 is blocked.
A few days prior to the flight, and after implementation, I discovered I was able to select 31A (or any other row 31 seat). My conclusion is that the system recognised me as a Preferred Seat customer due to my existing selection and despite not paying.
Like many, I think these so-called Preferred Seats should be free to ROP Plat/Gold. Attached is a picture showing the stickers applied to the seats. I never noticed them until leaving the aircraft
