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

I try to avoid to book codeshares because of these issues...

ZRH sounds better than LIS - what's your final destination?

SmilingBoy.

This is a simple IAD to Lisbon trip. But nothing is simple - I do not control my travel - someone else is paying and I work for the gov. I am doing good to have this much control. I agree - code share can kill you, but travel times hammer you on the way to Lisbon.

Can you get the ticket cancelled and simply get a ticket booked on the TAP code? In most cases, the price should be pretty much the same.

SmilingBoy.

No. Don't ask, too complex, but it gets caught up in federal rules and who is paying for what.

My main thought is that the Star Alliance needs to set minimum standards. If you want to be SA - meet these measures, other wise you can be a lesser member (moon alliance!).

I had a question recently about my TAP itinirary and called the office in Germany. They said they cannot give me any information on my itinirary as it was made by a travel agent.

Why would you choose LIS over ZRH for your connection? Everything I hear about LIS is that it is a real craphole compared to most western European airports... I'd try to get the connection moved to ZRH and take a codeshare on LX.

This is not a TAP specific issue, problems with seat assignments on codeshare flights are well known throughout the Star Alliance.

I thought the OP does not want to connect in LIS, it's his final destination.

That's how I read it too. He has a direct and wants to keep it that way!I doubt Gov't likes detours/MRs!

Ah, I read it too quickly. I was thinking he was connecting in LIS on the way to somewhere else. Whoops. If the fare is similar it still may be worth going with another carrier just to get confirmed seats. I sure wouldn't want to risk it if I was in Y... different story in C since there aren't really any terrible seats there, I believe all of TAPs trans-atlantic planes are 2-2-2 in C.

LIS is final destination, and since I get no benefit other than miles for alternatives, we go as direct as possible. I get no lay overs, and no vacation overseas. I am the poor ....... who went to India for 72 hours - and spend 24 getting there and 24 getting back. I once went to Japan for 48 hours and China for 78 from DC.

Typically I do my transfers in Europe as it eases customs issues, but for LIS, this made no sense.

As for *A, United may not be perfect, but at least they treat me decent, better than the bulk of the *A, even with all my miles. Economy Plus works well for my short frame.

Genejock