Originally Posted by
AKLifetimeFlyer
I agree with the above posts that AS majorly screwed up and is selling partner award fares that do not exist. I believe all you are owed is the difference between the F fare and coach fare. However, since you have such a strong case and it’s clearly an AS issue you discovered they should throw you some money or miles. AS needs to correct this ASAP.
On a related note, I would have been very suspicious after going to seat guru and seeing only two-class cabin layouts. I know they are not the end all be all, but I would have researched until I could confirm whether Hainan even has a three-class aircraft before making a booking like this.
Hainan is two-class
The confushion may be that while their airfraft only have two cabins; widebodies are Business & Economy while narrowbodies are First & Economy. You won't find a three cabin configuration.
In the graphic you attached, you can see that the 737-800 has 8 First Class seats. The newer 738M are called Business Class. Hainan has over 100 of those aircraft flying domestically. On busier routes they also use 787 & A330 widebodies domestically.
Boeing 738 | First 8Domestic Flights
The majority of Hainan Airlines domestic flights are operated by narrowbody Boeing 737 aircraft types, although some busier routes may use Boeing 787 and Airbus A330 aircraft. The onboard narrowbody product is divided by First Class seats configured 2×2, and standard Economy 3×3 seating.
An F domestic redemption does exist but not on the aircraft flown. I don't think it was intentional but do agree that it needs to be addressed. Hainan is offering Business Class on the B787, A330, B738M & First on the B738.
James