AA downgrade CX elite status?
Mar 31, 2021, 12:51 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
AA downgrade CX elite status?
Just called up AA customer service, trying to select main cabin extra seats on my US domestic flights, using OW sapphire status (MPC gold). Was told that as of Oct 1 2020, complimentary main cabin extra seats are not offered to elite members from CX. Anyone has same experience and knows what is happening? I have been able to select main cabin extra seats, such as front and exit row seats, on a complimentary basis for many years....
Found a page on aa.com describing main cabin extra seat and it does not mention CX specifically
Found a page on aa.com describing main cabin extra seat and it does not mention CX specifically
Mar 31, 2021, 2:16 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 255
It was indeed removed on 1 Oct 2020 but later restored to some airlines (mostly JV partners).
It was discussed in BA forum for example: AA removes free MCE seating perk for BA elites [Update : now restored]
It was discussed in BA forum for example: AA removes free MCE seating perk for BA elites [Update : now restored]
Mar 31, 2021, 2:38 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2015
Location: WAS, SZX, HKG
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, CX Green
Posts: 736
Unfortunately, OW elites (save for JV partners and AS elites) don’t have access to MCE anymore. You do have access to Flagship Lounges when they are open though.
Now that AS joins OW and its Exit Row is categorized as preferred seats, just fly AS in NA when possible. It’s a much better airline
Now that AS joins OW and its Exit Row is categorized as preferred seats, just fly AS in NA when possible. It’s a much better airline
Apr 2, 2021, 1:14 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TPE / HSZ
Programs: CX GO (=SPH), IHG Diamond Amb, Hertz 5*, Accor, Hilton, National
Posts: 6,437
Just called up AA customer service, trying to select main cabin extra seats on my US domestic flights, using OW sapphire status (MPC gold). Was told that as of Oct 1 2020, complimentary main cabin extra seats are not offered to elite members from CX. Anyone has same experience and knows what is happening? I have been able to select main cabin extra seats, such as front and exit row seats, on a complimentary basis for many years....
Found a page on aa.com describing main cabin extra seat and it does not mention CX specifically
Found a page on aa.com describing main cabin extra seat and it does not mention CX specifically
Apr 5, 2021, 6:45 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,408
One of the main reasons I fly CX is that as a QF elite I get to select exit row seats. This does work in CX's favour as they get the revenue over QF every time.
Apr 6, 2021, 3:13 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TPE / HSZ
Programs: CX GO (=SPH), IHG Diamond Amb, Hertz 5*, Accor, Hilton, National
Posts: 6,437
As long as QF continues to allow CX élites to select those "premium" seats on QF Y, I think CX should keep allowing QF élites to have the same benefits as well.
Apr 6, 2021, 3:25 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,408
Apr 6, 2021, 6:36 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TPE / HSZ
Programs: CX GO (=SPH), IHG Diamond Amb, Hertz 5*, Accor, Hilton, National
Posts: 6,437
Haven't taken QF for a while, so not sure how it works these days, but if QF's own élites have to pay to select exit row, I'm sure CX élites do, too. In this case, I also don't believe CX should allow QF élites to select CX exit row for free (sorry). However, the case with AA is more extreme. AA élites get to select AA and CX exit row for free, while CX élites only get to select CX's.