Blocked seats on ExpertFlyer?
 

I'm looking at seats on CX873 on EF. Fully half the seats appears as blocked (with the white X, as opposed to occupied). The blocks appear neatly arranged in certain rows. Are these specific seats that Cathay allocates to its code-share partners?

With the exception of bassinet seats, these seats are all reserved for eilte tier members. If you're AA Plat you should be able to get a "blocked" seat assigned to you.

I am accustomed to seeing quite a few seats blocked for elite members in the forward part of many carriers' economy cabins. However that is not what I am referring to here. If you look at the seat map for CX873 SFO-HKG you will see what I'm talking about.

CX does not block the forward seats but blocks some middle blocs which is what you're seeing. If you think this is incorrect, tell us what date and we can look it up.

Also, try to call CX to get one of those seats assigned. They should do it for you.

BTW, does CX/KA automatically block the adjacent seat for DMs until the last minute?

Do AA Plats (oneworld sapphire) get access to exit row seats on CX?

CX blocks off the first 3/4 rows, although anyone with any sort of status (even MPC Green) would see them as unblocked.

Not entirely sure why they also block off the middle and sometimes the back sections, but I have to admit I never look at those.

I remember I read a long time ago. It's due to load factor. They don't want everyone booked into the forward cabin, then nobody at the back.
They will release T-2. If you call for the blocked seat (not exit row which is for CX silver and up or for a fee), usually they will assign to you (my limited experience).

Interesting -- I find that really surprising. The date I am looking at is 9/22/11. Here are the blocked rows:

30-31: Some seats blocked
35-44: Some seats blocked
48-55: Almost all seats blocked
62-69: Almost all seats blocked

I've seen this on CX (and on some other carriers) for years now but I had never thought to pose the question. I had always assumed these seats were blocked for other carriers' passengers booking code-shares as the seats are certainly not 'premium' in any way. Indeed towards the back of the aircraft the last 8 rows of center seats are blocked while the windows and aisles remain bookable.

I don't think there's any relationship between seat assignments and which carrier's code a PAX is under.

I have no idea why these would be blocked as whenever I book none are blocked in Y and I'm free to choose whichever like my precious 37K

Also since it is a third party site some seats may be blocked as when I book on the actual CX website none are booked, maybe try a dummie booking on the CX site and see

The OP is correct. CX really does block most of the aircraft in Y for advance seat assignment. A CX or oneworld elite will have access to any of those seats, but a non-status person either has to get something early or wait until OLCI or the airport.

Yes except when booking on CX website in Y advanced seat selection only works for outbound leg until closer to flying timw which return leg becomes available, or at anytime you can call CX reservations and select return seats at any time :) hope this helps

That's because you are SL. Why is 37K precious by the way?