When I flew Finnair long haul business class (award flights both ways) about a month ago I was not charged for seat selection. I'm OWE through AA but my return was booked with AS miles and at the time I selected my seats I had my AS number in the reservation and I think I did not have OW status through AS at the time.

My parents are booked on LAX-ARN-BKK; BKK-HEL-LAX, on a business class bulk fare purchased through a TA. The fare was good, so no complaints there, but Finnair wants almost €100 per passenger per segment to select seats, which seems a little outrageous.

What, exactly, is AY's policy on when to charge for seat selection in business class? Who gets it for free?

Also, on a side note, are two adjacent middle seats likely to be available at check in time?