Originally Posted by
tamag0
QPC Silver or oneworld Ruby gets you 20% off seat selection fees.
With QR, there is no point planning seat selection too early on, given that equipment swaps can happen at the last minute and you will be automatically re-assigned to another seat that the system preceives as equivalent.
I recall it wasn't possible to swap seats after the re-assignment without paying (but I may be wrong), but even Gold members like me will keep checking our bookings from a few days ahead up to 23 hours before the flight to monitor for aircraft swaps and to make our final complimentary moves then.
So.... don't expect too much from QR in this aspect.
Btw, seat selection after check-in is still subjected to fees, but you might be wiser to pay for seat selection as a Silver closer to the flight date or at online check-in.
If you want complimentary seat selection as a Silver, your best option is to get the check-in agent to change your seats.
Seat selection for Silver/Ruby or anyone else is complimentary at check in.
It is correct that if you pay for a seat in advance and there is a re-assignment due to an equipment swap you might not be able to select a new seat yourself. In which case use twitter or call QR and they will assign you the seat you want since you have already paid for it.
On four flights while Silver I found that I was able to select seats free of charge 96 or 72 hours (can't recall which) before the actual flight time (not a published benefit). This was not applicable for preferred seats which continued to be paid options.