So apparently this is the answer. These are redemption tickets from CX. The agreement between CX and QR is that CX has not "bought the rights" for free seat assignment even with OneWorld Emerald/Sapphire so all seats on the plane are chargeable; hence the system kicks me out. Interesting, redeemed AA miles to fly QR 6 months ago and seat assignments were free; the agent said that AA redemption tickets come with seat assignments.
Last edited by zhaobao; May 19, 2023 at 6:26 pm