emcampbe

Just wanted to add a data point.

Just booked a one-way with an AC YYZ-DEN via UA.com for the fall (before UAs own flights start again) - this was a revenue ticket in G class. Flight only offered with the UA codeshare number, and while I did call UA to confirm everything looks good on their end, they said they wouldn't convert it to AC flight number, which I think helps wrt to some things.

We were automatically seated in row 36 (last row) of the A220 despite most seats being empty - this seems to be common because not the first time I've had this happen when booking AC via UA.com. Seems to be converted to a 'standard fare on Air Canada though. Though the seat map kept showing me prices on the seat map, selecting anything wouldn't change them.

The caveat is I am traveling with my 3 yo, so that might have triggered the seat selection (AC picks seats at booking to those traveling with kids (I think 14 and under) free at time of booking, to ensure seating together - their website says you can select different seats, but that 'may' cost. That also may have explained the inability to pick other seats - it seems to indicate that 'promo code expired' - I think that is the item that triggers the initial free seat selection.

I tried asking UA to change the seats, but they said they could not (and no seat map available on UA.com). I tried calling AC at almost midnight PT, to see if the hold time might have been better. After 15 minutes, I hung up. I then sent a direct message via Twitter, asking for seats on the AC side. I got an auto-response saying they'd be back online at 6am, and sure enough, in the morning, had a response saying they had moved us to 17AC (the side with 2 seats). So kudos to AC on Twitter for being able to help us.

Can't guarantee that they will do this if you're supposed to be paying for seats, but it did work in my case.

flayum

Following up with another nearly exact DP, but for SFO-YYC with 2 adults on Jazz. Forwarded on the UA website to AC. Not auto-assigned seats and all options require additional cash, so the child might be a key factor there. Will DM on twitter to see if there's an alternative to cash seat assignment.

mrkymark

Same experience in 2022 - AC flight bought with UAMP miles.
Nothing special done and yet it booked into Latitude with free reign on seats and 2 checked bags.
Pretty wonky - only question is if I get a free Bistro Box, but the consensus seems that it comes with revenue Latitude and not with points purchased Latitude - but even that is inconsistent so it's anyone's guess! *and before anyone snipes - I don't expect anything - I didn't ask for the bennies - but I'll take 'em if their given.
I'll definitely share if I discover the secret but honestly to my knowledge it was a very straightforward reservation.

planecrashlaw

Looks like nothing has changed. Last month on a Jazz operated flight with a UA ticket booked in the Y bucket, I had full seating options at $0. This month another Jazz flight, on a deep discount UA ticket. Bulkhead is $52 USD. Regular seating is $36.

Facebook Messenger and DM on Twitter to AC for clarification were completely ignored. It is what it is.

username

I did a trip in January and anther trip this month - UA MP award ticket on AC.

In January, I seem to remember there was some kind of discrepancy with the seating during the AC check in process but the seat I picked on United.com actually was the seat I got.

This time, the seat I originally selected on United.com did not stick. On the 737 MAX 8, I picked 21D originally (first row after exit and it is not a premium seat) but I ended up in 33D.

Just a fluke or AC's system does something to these reservations? Thanks.

canadiancow

There was a glitch with UA ticketed awards on AC where the fare basis starting with Y caused AC's system to treat it as paid Latitude, which got you free preferred seats, zone 2 boarding, a free drink and snacks on board, and easy upgrades if you had AC eUpgrades to use.

I think they've now fixed all (or at least most) of that, and it treats it as Standard, which does not include free seat selection of any kind. UA's site might let you pick a seat, but if no payment is logged for it, it's not going to stick.

emcampbe

I have an award booking on AC, booked using MP miles. And it's confusing.

First of all, from history, I was always under the impression that partner award bookings were considered to go into 'flex'. I know I've typically gotten a free bag and seat assignment, so I kind of assumed.

My current booking shows a checked bag fee of $30 for the first bag, so was very confused. That's because I also got not just a free seat assignment, but any seat including the preferred seats. I called to enquire. They claimed they saw my fare as a lattitude, and should get a free bag. But my confirmation from UA, and ACs website both show the $30 charge. My PNR on AC site also shows it is standard, but continues to allow me to select preferred seats for free. Interestingly enough, I found an email from a June award, again, on AC via MP miles, that I ended up canceling, but that showed a $30 bag fee as well.

So I guess I can report back my experience when I fly on the bag fee. But it seems at least they haven't fixed all of the fare type mapping.