Ok, I read alot, and learn alot - this time I need advide.

I stupidly agreed to fly TAP to Lisbon from Newark on a codeshare with UA. Now I can not get anyone to confirm a seat. Mind you, I am Star Alliance Gold.

Called UA first, who sent me to TAP, as expected. TAP said UA could do it, or the travel agent. The travel agent in Paris says they can not, and UA confessed that TAP gives this excuse.

You can imagine my fear/dread at the prospects of a middle seat over the Atlantic.

Thoughts? Solutions? Other than maybe TAP should not be Star Alliance?
I am starting at IAD, and between that, and early check-in maybe able to snag something, but I think this is stupid.

Of course the alternative routes looked worse - via Heathrow (aka Hellhole), Zurich or Frankfurt.

Genejock