Dlougach

It seems that Aeroflot has recently changed the booking tool on their website. One of the side effects of this change is that now STE+ (maybe STE too) members can select seats on fares that previously didn't allow it. Before, as far as I remember, only Aeroflot's own elites could use this benefit.

a7m

Wait, really? I actually like Aeroflot, but only when I travel solo and don't care much about seat selection. When I travel with family, I simply avoid the airline since I can't choose seats in advance. What you are saying sounds promising.

At what point are you allowed to choose seats? After you purchase ticket and enter your Sky Team number? The website still says that "advanced seat reservation in economy class not depending on fare restrictions" is available only to Aeroflot elites.

pjs

We are flying from SVO to ARN this summer on a budget fare with SU. My wife is a Silver Elite on Delta (at least until the end of the month) and I was able to select seats for us after inputting our Delta SkyMiles numbers.

a7m

At what stage of the process? Before paying?

fleuve

After I have paid the ticket, the website took me a "manage my booking" page where I could choose the seat.

However, they blocked quite a lot seats in the exit rows.
I thought STE+ are allowed to reserve the exit row seats, but apparently it's not the case in SU...

a7m

What ticket class was it (if you remember)?

pjs

Same here. It was after paying and putting in the DL #s.

fleuve

Economy (Class E)

hessbo

Yes, for Aeroflot Bonus Silver, Gold and Platinum the seat selection is possible for any booking class (including promo and budget). Just need to log into your Aeroflot Bonus account and go to "my reservations".
You can also change your seat at any time.
Bulkhead and exit rows can only be reserved through the Concierge (Platinum) or at the check-in desk.

Dlougach

In my case, if this matters:

Booking class: N (economy budget)
Frequent flyer card: SkyMiles Gold

Seat selection became available after the payment in "Check The Reservation".

a7m

Had the same experience. I was trying to book tickets for three. I am the only DL elite (not elite plus). The Manhattan office said that only I could choose a seat for myself, not companions. Weird. When I booked the tickets online, however, I was able to choose seats for everyone even though I was buying N-class.

Those who are in doubt, can actually choose seats before paying. I did this:

1) Find the flights.
2) Enter the passenger information.
3) Go to the next page. While it doesn't have option to choose seats, it will have confirmation code. Copy it. Close the page.
4) Go to Aeroflot site again and choose online services. Choose find reservation. You can do it for about two hours after choosing flights.
5) Once you enter your confirmation code, you'll end up on the page where you can choose seats (provided you or your companion has ST Elite) and pay.

Who knew that DL's Silver status, which is nearly worthless in the US, is worth something?

chas48

This worked for me last year when booking HEL - VVO, and I don't have any status yet (although I am an Aeroflot bonus member). I just followed the steps described above. The only drawback is the need to repeat the process if the first flight one looks at doesn't have any suitable seats.

miklcct

It seems that it is now possible to exchange / refund a classic ticket online as well, where previously I had to call to refund the ticket.