Aeroplan booking - Are you able to select business class seat on Air India - RedFlagDeals.com Forums (2024)

Air India has some good deals on Aeroplan business heading back from Thailand to Toronto . (84k business lowest or 103k business flex) one way

They use the stupid 2x3x2 even in lie flat business. I don't mind being in an aisles but I absolutely don't want to potentially have to hop over someone sleeping if I need to use the bathroom. Being in the middle would really suck.

Are you able to select seats on Air India when booking via Aeroplan? Both flights are Air India metal. Main concern is the 777-300ER DEL-YYZ

I might book their first class (130k lowest 150k flex) if I am unable to confirm an aisle seat.

AI uses Amadeus, so one should be able to select seats, unless they are quirky and shut third-party bookings out.

I do recall having to call in my request, but this was years ago before AC switched to Amadeus.

I agree with your F booking strategy; too bad their cabin renewal program has been delayed, though. YYZ also gets their old 77Ws as opposed to their “nicer” 77Ws/A359s.

If you still need help, I can book a ticket, and try to select a seat as I get free changes and cancellations.

Is Air India only offering 1 business class seat per flight?

When I search for it I only see 1 available

VWDriver wrote: ↑AI uses Amadeus, so one should be able to select seats, unless they are quirky and shut third-party bookings out.

I do recall having to call in my request, but this was years ago before AC switched to Amadeus.

I agree with your F booking strategy; too bad their cabin renewal program has been delayed, though. YYZ also gets their old 77Ws as opposed to their “nicer” 77Ws/A359s.

If you still need help, I can book a ticket, and try to select a seat as I get free changes and cancellations.

That would be great. Any random date in mid April. BKK-DEL-YYZ the one with 6 hour lay over

speedyforme wrote: ↑Is Air India only offering 1 business class seat per flight?

When I search for it I only see 1 available

I’m flying solo but yeah it appeared only 1 ticket in my searches

Images

VWDriver wrote: ↑AI uses Amadeus, so one should be able to select seats, unless they are quirky and shut third-party bookings out.

I do recall having to call in my request, but this was years ago before AC switched to Amadeus.

I agree with your F booking strategy; too bad their cabin renewal program has been delayed, though. YYZ also gets their old 77Ws as opposed to their “nicer” 77Ws/A359s.

If you still need help, I can book a ticket, and try to select a seat as I get free changes and cancellations.

Come to think of it I booked a friend on LOT metal via Aeroplan and although I could open the seat map and select seats (including premium front of cabin seats that otherwise have a cost) I could select it but it wouldn’t save / stick.

@TravelStarr , are you sure you want to fly AI? I see BR available on one of the days and they come up rarely.

I would not transit through India if an European or ME destination were available.

ET via ADD to YYZ is available on some days, too.

VWDriver wrote: ↑@TravelStarr , are you sure you want to fly AI? I see BR available on one of the days and they come up rarely.

I would not transit through India if an European or ME destination were available.

ET via ADD to YYZ is available on some days, too.

So I'm very flexible looking to book from SE Asia to Toronto in April. I'm flying into Vietnam but can fly back from anywhere. Where/when are you seeing BR in Premium Economy or Business?

AcidBomber wrote: ↑If you're a solo traveler, try and book EVA from BKK-TPE-YYZ.
I would save your points and avoid AI business/first (just look at the reviews on YouTube).

No way I'm flying economy, not even a thought. Yes under 5 hours to link up but over the pacific, otherwise no thank you. I have 300k points. Premium economy I'll tolerate, business would be ideal. I've flown Air India domestically but not internationally. If they give me drinks and some food I'm easy as long as I have a big seat or ideally a bed.

I'm paying 105k for YYZ-ICN-HAN in premium economy from YYZ-ICN and economy the rest in mid November. 85k business lowest assuming I can confirm an aisle Is the sweet spot for me, but for 130k to say I've flown a seat with a closing door, is a life time experience.

Open to other ideas getting back to. Toronto from the Vietnam / Cambodia / Thailand area

Also having spent 2 extended trips in India (Goa, Rajasthan and Karnataka) backpack style. I have very high regards for Indian people and their treatment of foreigners. Love the food

TravelStarr wrote: ↑So I'm very flexible looking to book from SE Asia to Toronto in April. I'm flying into Vietnam but can fly back from anywhere. Where/when are you seeing BR in Premium Economy or Business?

No way I'm flying economy, not even a thought. Yes under 5 hours to link up but over the pacific, otherwise no thank you. I have 300k points. Premium economy I'll tolerate, business would be ideal. I've flown Air India domestically but not internationally. If they give me drinks and some food I'm easy as long as I have a big seat or ideally a bed.

I'm paying 105k for YYZ-ICN-HAN in premium economy from YYZ-ICN and economy the rest in mid November. 85k business lowest assuming I can confirm an aisle Is the sweet spot for me, but for 130k to say I've flown a seat with a closing door, is a life time experience.

Open to other ideas getting back to. Toronto from the Vietnam / Cambodia / Thailand area

Also having spent 2 extended trips in India (Goa, Rajasthan and Karnataka) backpack style. I have very high regards for Indian people and their treatment of foreigners. Love the food

Personally I feel you overpaid at 105k for (YYZ-ICN-HAN) on AC premium econ and Asiana(?) econ.
Not knowing much about your trip, it sounds like you're very flexible with dates. And as a single traveler, you have a lot of last minute options with partner redemption.

For example, looking 2 weeks out now, you can book YYZ-MUC-SIN in 100% business class on Lufthansa for 87.5k - with Toronto to Munich on their brand new Allegris business class.
If you need to get to Hanoi, redeem for Singapore Airlines from SIN-HAN for 30k in business (117.5k in total vs your 107k premium econ/econ).
If you don't care about the stop in Singapore, then you can pay 115k and book YYZ-MUC-SIN-HAN in J. Yes, you have 2 layovers and will be "back tracking" geographically, but you are in 100% business class on LH/SQ.

For your return in April, you can book J flex fare and "lock in" whatever fare you can find now from BKK (ie: mixed cabin business/econ).
About a month before your flight, start looking at last minute options, and if there's one you like, you can always change your flight and then downgrade to J lowest fare and get a refund.

TravelStarr wrote: ↑
but for 130k to say I've flown a seat with a closing door, is a life time experience.

Open to other ideas getting back to. Toronto from the Vietnam / Cambodia / Thailand area

If its an AI plane with 2-3-3 business class then isn't the F cabin doorless? Though you may be the only one in the cabin lol. I've flown it twice in the past couple of years (when I unexpectedly had to get back to YYZ asap with no other availability in J), its better than J but if you're not flush with AP then I would save it for a better AI F product or a better airline's F.

You can look at BRs 5th freedom BKK-VIE/LHR/AMS then connect to YYZ and it will keep you under 87.5K published rate. I flew back about a month ago on TG BKK-LHR (UA-NYC) and was pleasantly surprised with TG and wouldn't fret flying them again if I needed to. Solo for sure you're avoiding LH Group on the Asia segment (unless you want to pay $300 for a single seat) which leaves you with few options, with the partner issues. Too bad you didn't catch the ANA "pop-up" where availability was online for a few hours last week, or two weeks ago...I forget.

AcidBomber wrote: ↑Personally I feel you overpaid at 105k for (YYZ-ICN-HAN) on AC premium econ and Asiana(?) econ.
Not knowing much about your trip, it sounds like you're very flexible with dates. And as a single traveler, you have a lot of last minute options with partner redemption.

For example, looking 2 weeks out now, you can book YYZ-MUC-SIN in 100% business class on Lufthansa for 87.5k - with Toronto to Munich on their brand new Allegris business class.
If you need to get to Hanoi, redeem for Singapore Airlines from SIN-HAN for 30k in business (117.5k in total vs your 107k premium econ/econ).
If you don't care about the stop in Singapore, then you can pay 115k and book YYZ-MUC-SIN-HAN in J. Yes, you have 2 layovers and will be "back tracking" geographically, but you are in 100% business class on LH/SQ.

For your return in April, you can book J flex fare and "lock in" whatever fare you can find now from BKK (ie: mixed cabin business/econ).
About a month before your flight, start looking at last minute options, and if there's one you like, you can always change your flight and then downgrade to J lowest fare and get a refund.

Thank you so much for your detailed reply, I really appreciate it. I was going to PM you but figured discussing in public may help future google traffic.

I agree the YYZ-ICN-HAN is a lot, while I am single and flexible, getting to Asia I am meeting a buddy (who is not flexible) and this flight path was the only reasonable option we decided to change our flights from Brazil. Hes flying out of of YVR I'm flying out of YYZ. We end up meeting in ICN for a prolonged layover. Now I do have some flexibility so I can get to Hanoi a day earlier or even weeks earlier and just meet him there. I need to be in Hanoi by 1pm on November 15th however can arrive earlier. Furthermore I have AC50k status and am hoping but probably unlikely for an eupgrade. Is there some tricks around instant e-upgrades? I purchased business lowest.

LH seems to not be so good for a single flyer. I don't care if the person next to me needs to hop over me, or even if they wake me up to use bathroom I don't really care. Paying $300 to avoid that... I'd be ok with that but I'm guessing thats per leg?

Can I secure an aisle seat on LH? I don't care about the added flight time if I'm in J.

Singapore doesn't interest me, I'm a small / mid size chill beach towns kind of guy and these whole city/countries like HK have never tickled my fancy (no disrespect to either, would love to check the food scene). I'd love to see them, but the high hotel costs mixed with (even flying business flights) I take I need time to chill out after the flight before doing touristy stuff means stopping over in Singapore isn't really ideal. I do not mind an additional stop over especially with lounge access.

Departing from BKK was a random choice, are things better from SIN? I wouldn't mind spending some time in SIN on the tail end of my trip. I just need to head back before the 6 months less a day in Canada to ensure I don't lose out on OHIP.

TravelStarr wrote: ↑Are you able to select seats on Air India when booking via Aeroplan?

With many partner airlines you just go to the airline's site, manage your reservation and choose your seats there.

Mulder and Scully wrote: ↑With many partner airlines you just go to the airline's site, manage your reservation and choose your seats there.

This I understand. However a few weeks ago I booked a friend on LOT polish via Aeroplan and I could select seats on lot but they wouldn’t save / stick.

That’s my concern with air india.

I may likely change a few weeks before the flight. Just want a good place holder

TravelStarr wrote: ↑Thank you so much for your detailed reply, I really appreciate it. I was going to PM you but figured discussing in public may help future google traffic.

I agree the YYZ-ICN-HAN is a lot, while I am single and flexible, getting to Asia I am meeting a buddy (who is not flexible) and this flight path was the only reasonable option we decided to change our flights from Brazil. Hes flying out of of YVR I'm flying out of YYZ. We end up meeting in ICN for a prolonged layover. Now I do have some flexibility so I can get to Hanoi a day earlier or even weeks earlier and just meet him there. I need to be in Hanoi by 1pm on November 15th however can arrive earlier. Furthermore I have AC50k status and am hoping but probably unlikely for an eupgrade. Is there some tricks around instant e-upgrades? I purchased business lowest.

LH seems to not be so good for a single flyer. I don't care if the person next to me needs to hop over me, or even if they wake me up to use bathroom I don't really care. Paying $300 to avoid that... I'd be ok with that but I'm guessing thats per leg?

Can I secure an aisle seat on LH? I don't care about the added flight time if I'm in J.

Singapore doesn't interest me, I'm a small / mid size chill beach towns kind of guy and these whole city/countries like HK have never tickled my fancy (no disrespect to either, would love to check the food scene). I'd love to see them, but the high hotel costs mixed with (even flying business flights) I take I need time to chill out after the flight before doing touristy stuff means stopping over in Singapore isn't really ideal. I do not mind an additional stop over especially with lounge access.

Departing from BKK was a random choice, are things better from SIN? I wouldn't mind spending some time in SIN on the tail end of my trip. I just need to head back before the 6 months less a day in Canada to ensure I don't lose out on OHIP.

If you're okay paying $300 per leg to not have to step over someone or have someone step over you, take that money and buy AP points on sale and fly Emirates J?

donttoewsmebro wrote: ↑If you're okay paying $300 per leg to not have to step over someone or have someone step over you, take that money and buy AP points on sale and fly Emirates J?

Well $300 a leg is a bit much but I assuming I cancel my yyz-inc-han trip. I have about 350,000 Aeroplan about 250k if I keep my original flight to Asia.

Flying emirates would be a pleasure not seeing anything from Toronto to Hanoi in November. Or are you referring to getting back to April.

I really can’t say thank you enough for the help and advice of this thread

AcidBomber wrote: ↑Personally I feel you overpaid.

Damn

You know your stuff.

Wife and I need to book a flight to Dubai Oct 4-14 -/+ a day.

AC wants 110,600 +$126 a person for regular economy. I wish they would allow Emirates because I want the A380.

If I'm not mistaken, this is a bad use of points at 1.35 a point.

Should we just save the points and do Singapore in business at a future date on business class?

TravelStarr wrote: ↑Thank you so much for your detailed reply, I really appreciate it. I was going to PM you but figured discussing in public may help future google traffic.

I agree the YYZ-ICN-HAN is a lot, while I am single and flexible, getting to Asia I am meeting a buddy (who is not flexible) and this flight path was the only reasonable option we decided to change our flights from Brazil. Hes flying out of of YVR I'm flying out of YYZ. We end up meeting in ICN for a prolonged layover. Now I do have some flexibility so I can get to Hanoi a day earlier or even weeks earlier and just meet him there. I need to be in Hanoi by 1pm on November 15th however can arrive earlier. Furthermore I have AC50k status and am hoping but probably unlikely for an eupgrade. Is there some tricks around instant e-upgrades? I purchased business lowest.

LH seems to not be so good for a single flyer. I don't care if the person next to me needs to hop over me, or even if they wake me up to use bathroom I don't really care. Paying $300 to avoid that... I'd be ok with that but I'm guessing thats per leg?

Can I secure an aisle seat on LH? I don't care about the added flight time if I'm in J.

Singapore doesn't interest me, I'm a small / mid size chill beach towns kind of guy and these whole city/countries like HK have never tickled my fancy (no disrespect to either, would love to check the food scene). I'd love to see them, but the high hotel costs mixed with (even flying business flights) I take I need time to chill out after the flight before doing touristy stuff means stopping over in Singapore isn't really ideal. I do not mind an additional stop over especially with lounge access.

Departing from BKK was a random choice, are things better from SIN? I wouldn't mind spending some time in SIN on the tail end of my trip. I just need to head back before the 6 months less a day in Canada to ensure I don't lose out on OHIP.

I am not an eUp expert so I will skip that question.
You should be able to select whatever seat is open for free with business lowest redemption on LH's website after booking.

For coming back, I only suggested going through SIN because it's a major hub for SE Asia.
But more importantly, you can avoid AC's Aeroplan dynamic pricing with flexible routing options on partner airlines.

If you're lucky enough to find a last minute BKK-TPE-YYZ on EVA then that would be more ideal.

JRGUINNESS wrote: ↑Damn

You know your stuff.

Wife and I need to book a flight to Dubai Oct 4-14 -/+ a day.

AC wants 110,600 +$126 a person for regular economy. I wish they would allow Emirates because I want the A380.

If I'm not mistaken, this is a bad use of points at 1.35 a point.

Should we just save the points and do Singapore in business at a future date on business class?

Dubai is tough because direct is only served by Emirates and AC. And both of them are subject to dynamic pricing for Aeroplan redemptions.
I would not redeem points for economy for Emirates.

I would have suggested looking for Etihad and fly into Abu Dhabi, but Aeroplan has removed Etihad redemption for business class for a while now.

I would save the points for another trip - but also keep in mind AC can devalue points at any time.

Since several airline options have popped up in the discussion, here are the ones you can select during the checkout process with Aeroplan or by using the Amadeus/other booking reference number:

SQ, BR, TG, NH, LH group (J throne seats on SWISS used to be selectable T-48/24 - I forgot exactly). For UA, a unique reference number will be provided and one can go to UA’s site to make their selections.

TK is simply messed up; used to be T-100 days, or use the TK app, but one can try to call their customer service team to select, but YMMV. I am also investigating MS (Egyptair) and will report back.