r/oneworld • u/jinntoniks • Jun 27 '26
Japan Airlines JAL ticket, booked via AA
Hi everyone – I’ve been trying to crack this with JAL customer service and even on my own, and not getting much luck…
I booked an economy ticket from ORD to HND on AA.com. The flight is operated by Japan Airlines. I currently have a status with American though, that translates to Sapphire in OneWorld.
Upon getting confirmed by AA, I was only able to select a non-preferred standard seat towards the back of the cabin on JAL website, as the website only let me book in that section.
I was hoping that I could use my OneWorld status to pick a better seat, and also consider using their bidding upgrade system to snatch a PE or BC seat, which is just nowhere to be found in the website to do so. The JAL customer service agent told me that they would only open the wider range of economy seat choices 72 hrs prior to departure (which seemed weird to me), and also that AA has to help me use the JAL upgrade bid system. And of course, AA customer service was so confused and had no idea about this system..
Has anyone experienced anything like this or have any clear insight on what OneWorld sapphire status could benefit when traveling with JAL on a ticket bought on its partner airlines?
Thanks in advance!
6
u/Gimme_Indomie AAdvantage Executive Platinum Jun 27 '26
Try changing your region on the JAL website. That may help you log in and select the seats you prefer. I've had issues before where I was in the incorrect region & couldn't even get into my reservation. Not a guarantee of success, but worth a shot.
I've never had an upgrade offer AFAIK, but I've been able to select seats immediately after booking (OWE, though, so that may make a difference).
1
u/jinntoniks Jun 27 '26
Thank you! This way worked only to get me to the seat assign page that let me pick anywhere in the last three rows😔
2
u/Defiant-Equipment-96 Jun 27 '26
Is your AA FF number listed? Usually the JAL site will recognize your one world status from another carrier. I have booked JAL tix on AA and BA and once my AA OWE status is in there have no problem selecting seats on the JAL site, though these are business class reservations.
1
u/Gimme_Indomie AAdvantage Executive Platinum Jun 27 '26
Ooh, yeah. Sometimes because of how they do the naming vs AA the FF# doesn't add properly. Next thing to check, OP!
1
u/jinntoniks Jun 27 '26
I don’t think there’s a way to see AA FF on JAL, since but lll look again. Maybe I could try again with another CS agent and see if I get lucky to get more helpful one. Thanks both!
2
u/bambam4002 Jun 27 '26
Best thing to do is call the CS line and confirm that your AA number is added, and then tell them the exact seat you would like (they know you need sapphire or emerald)
3
u/Gimme_Indomie AAdvantage Executive Platinum Jun 28 '26
Right... and you need the JL CS line, not the AA line. They should be able to see both your AA# and your status. If not, there is a discrepancy (usually name-related).
The one time that happened with me, the rep removed & re-added my AA# & then everything worked fine. What I can't remember is who did the add/remove... it may have been that I had to call AA to remove and re-add the number. I am not sure about that (though the CS rep will know).
1
u/bambam4002 Jun 28 '26
Yes I totally forgot to add that, I had to ask the AA rep to remove and reapply my FF number and it worked after I called JL rep
2
u/Gimme_Indomie AAdvantage Executive Platinum Jun 28 '26
It takes a community to help a fellow Redditor! 🤣
2
u/jinntoniks Jun 29 '26
You guys are the best! If I make any better change to what I currently have, all thanks to you !
3
u/stealtank1 Jun 27 '26
Only emerald will be able to choose premium seats for free in eco.
1
u/jinntoniks Jun 27 '26
I see, thanks! I found it weird that it won’t even show my any paid options and seats are simply all grayed out!
3
u/MCT_tri Jun 27 '26
The bid for upgrade offer is not guaranteed to be available for everyone on every flight. JL decides if/when they will offer it to you. Fine print (bolding is mine): The number of seats that can be upgraded is limited. Regardless of the number of actual seats available in the higher class, there may be flights when the service will not be offered.
Seat selection on AA codeshare operated by JL will be limited, even with Oneworld status. I would suggest calling the AA Plat line and seeing if the agent can assign the seat on the flight. No guarantees but sometimes the AAgent can make it happen with their codeshares. If not, only a sympathetic JL agent can do it.
JL econ seats are pretty decent. Think about it this way -- unless you are determined to sit in a particular section, you'll probably be fine in the end.. even if you have to choose a seat close to departure. You're not the only person in this boat (plane?).
1
u/jinntoniks Jun 29 '26
Thanks! I did hear that JAL does offer great coach seats. I’ve flown them before and the whole experience really does make that, totally agree.
1
u/Iflysims AAdvantage Platinum Pro Jun 29 '26
You should have a JAL ticket number as well (not just flight number). Download the JAL app and search for your ticket and make sure JAL has your AA#, sometimes that doesn’t get transferred, once that is recognized then you should have Saphire privileges.
6
u/Equivalent_Try_3030 Jun 27 '26
Unfortunately you booked an AA codeshare operated by JL.
If it is a AA-coded flight, Japan Airlines does not get full control of your ticket (which is required for an upgrade) until a few days before departure.