Recently flew SFO-LAX-BCN in Business class.SFO-LAX-LHR was on AA metal, LHR-BCN was on BA metal. Ticket was issued by AA.

When I checked in I was not able to get a boarding pass or seat selection for the LHR-BCN leg. I could see that I was assigned row 11 with no recline. I called BA and was told that I could selct a seat for $89. I asked why it was not free and hey said that I could select a seat for free at check-in. i told the agent that I was already checked in. He suggested that I try to resolve it at the airport.

I arrived at SFO and was told by BA staff that they had no way to change my seat. Tried again at LHR and was told that I could not change my seat.

I emailed BA about this and they replied 3 weeks later to say I should have just selected a seat during check-in and this was all my fault.

I'm annoyed because I was exhausted and wanted to nap but couldn't because the seat was upright. Most travelers in economy arguably had a better seat that I did.

I feel like their response was basically saying "So sad, too bad."