FlyerTalk Forums https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ FlyerTalk is a living, growing community where frequent travelers around the world come to exchange knowledge and experiences about everything miles and points related. en Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:46:01 GMT vBulletin 5 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg FlyerTalk Forums https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ WN Selling EL Seats That Are Not? https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/southwest-airlines-rapid-rewards/2219154-wn-selling-el-seats-not.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:39:44 GMT Booked PHX-OAK tomorrow. Seatmap originally showed MAX8 with elevated interior and I paid for an EL seat with 36" pitch. Now the seatmap has switched to a regular MAX8 , which Aerolopa says has 32" pitch throughout the cabin.

Are they really doing this and keeping the EL fees??? ]]> Southwest Airlines | Rapid Rewards Kacee https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/southwest-airlines-rapid-rewards/2219154-wn-selling-el-seats-not.html Expert Flyer blocked vs taken seats? https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar-airways-privilege-club/2219153-expert-flyer-blocked-vs-taken-seats.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:43:33 GMT QR763, DOH - YUL on July 5 shows J9 C9 D9 I9 R0 There are only 4 available seats on the seat map though. Image: I saw this post from last year, is this still the case? Or is it revenue management, willingness to overbook, etc.? QR763, DOH - YUL on July 5 shows J9 C9 D9 I9 R0

There are only 4 available seats on the seat map though.

I saw this post from last year, is this still the case? Or is it revenue management, willingness to overbook, etc.?

Quote:

Originally Posted by stargold (Post 37181275)

However, something has changed at EF recently and it lost the ability to differentiate between blocked and occupied on the seatmap, which is really annoying.

A second question, is it likely that a saver avios redemption rate pops up closer to departure, and if so, what is the best way to switch? If it will involve a phone call, what challenges/difference would it make if I am physically in Canada, various Schengen Zone counties, or China?

]]> Qatar Airways | Privilege Club bambinomartino https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar-airways-privilege-club/2219153-expert-flyer-blocked-vs-taken-seats.html starlink coming soon... https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frontier-airlines-frontier-miles-program/2219151-starlink-coming-soon.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:07:24 GMT Wizz airlines in europe just announced starlink is frontier next? https://simpleflying.com/a-gamble-low-cost-carriers-are-now-adding-starlink-wifi/ Wizz airlines in europe just announced starlink

is frontier next?

https://simpleflying.com/a-gamble-lo...starlink-wifi/ ]]> Frontier Airlines | Frontier Miles Program artedm https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frontier-airlines-frontier-miles-program/2219151-starlink-coming-soon.html DPS-SIN-AMS Route https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/klm-flying-dutchman/2219150-dps-sin-ams-route.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:49:09 GMT Hello, Booked on DPS-SIN-AMS and wondering about some details of the process, service and aircraft. 1) Do you stay on board during the stop in SIN? 2) I can see that on DPS-SIN, a smaller three course meal is served (starter, main, dessert... Hello,

Booked on DPS-SIN-AMS and wondering about some details of the process, service and aircraft.

1) Do you stay on board during the stop in SIN?

2) I can see that on DPS-SIN, a smaller three course meal is served (starter, main, dessert on one tray). What is the service on SIN-AMS? Is it a full dinner service despite the late departure time (00:55)? Since the real flight time is almost 13hours, and I'm not gonna sleep more than 8h probably, I'd like to enjoy the useable 4-5h as much as possible.

3) Is there a meal preorder available at outstations? When do the menus show up? Currently +-1,5months out theres nothing yet.

4) Are all the 777-300 retrofitted now with 1-2-1 seating? If so, are there any best seats? With no status on FB, when will I be able to select them for free? On the seatmap it says World Business Class with 1-2-1 seating with doors and a small microcabin in rows 8-9.

5) As I've never flown KLM longhaul in C, is there anything else special I should try, ask or look out for?

Thanks!
]]> KLM Flying Dutchman ArnoldB https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/klm-flying-dutchman/2219150-dps-sin-ams-route.html Kodiak Island bears https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/alaska/2219149-kodiak-island-bears.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:16:57 GMT I'm visiting Kodiak Island later this month and wish to see some bears at some point during this stay.

Can anyone advise of a way to do this that doesn't involve spending $$$$ with an air operator? ]]> Alaska Speedbird Julie https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/alaska/2219149-kodiak-island-bears.html <![CDATA[customer care that doesn't care]]> https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/etihad-airways-etihad-guest/2219148-customer-care-doesn-t-care.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:55:39 GMT Eight times I was promised a response; eight times none came. 1) On April 14 I spoke with a customer care rep on the phone about some issue. I was promised a supervisor would call me back. No one did. 2) On April 17 I called again, was promised... Eight times I was promised a response; eight times none came.

1) On April 14 I spoke with a customer care rep on the phone about some issue. I was promised a supervisor would call me back. No one did.
2) On April 17 I called again, was promised again, no one did again.
3) On April 20 - same.
4) On April 23 I called again, and a supervisor told me to email the issue. I did, received an automatic confirmation of my email. No one ever responded.
5) On May 2 I digitally submitted a complaint, and received a case number and a promise I'd get a response. None came.
6) ON May 21 I used the feedback function to complain about the silence. A rep called me, told me that someone would call me within 3 days, and that she will call back afterwards to verify that is had been done. No one called back.
7) On June 3 I called; spoke with a rep; she senT a message to two different supervisors, and promised to follow up. No one called me.
8) On June 4 and 5 she called to follow up, and twice re-sent the message to both supervisors. No one responded to me.

I am a member of their frequent flier club and a business class passenger.
Aharon Barth
Booking reference 9DGGM7

Shame on them; shame on Etihad! ]]> Etihad Airways | Etihad Guest bartroni https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/etihad-airways-etihad-guest/2219148-customer-care-doesn-t-care.html <![CDATA[Customer care that doesn't care]]> https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/etihad-airways-etihad-guest/2219147-customer-care-doesn-t-care.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:53:42 GMT Eight times I was promised a response; eight times none came. 1) On April 14 I spoke with a customer care rep on the phone about some issue. I was promised a supervisor would call me back. No one did. 2) On April 17 I called again, was promised... Eight times I was promised a response; eight times none came.

1) On April 14 I spoke with a customer care rep on the phone about some issue. I was promised a supervisor would call me back. No one did.
2) On April 17 I called again, was promised again, no one did again.
3) On April 20 - same.
4) On April 23 I called again, and a supervisor told me to email the issue. I did, received an automatic confirmation of my email. No one ever responded.
5) On May 2 I digitally submitted a complaint, and received a case number and a promise I'd get a response. None came.
6) ON May 21 I used the feedback function to complain about the silence. A rep called me, told me that someone would call me within 3 days, and that she will call back afterwards to verify that is had been done. No one called back.
7) On June 3 I called; spoke with a rep; she sent a message to two different supervisors, and promised to follow up. No one called me.
8) On June 4 and 5 she called to follow up, and twice re-sent the message to both supervisors. No one responded to me.

I am a member of their frequent flier club and a business class passenger.
Aharon Barth
Booking reference 9DGGM7

Shame on them; shame on Etihad! ]]> Etihad Airways | Etihad Guest bartroni https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/etihad-airways-etihad-guest/2219147-customer-care-doesn-t-care.html Air Canada agreement with Agra Group (Aviana and GOL) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-canada-aeroplan/2219145-air-canada-agreement-agra-group-aviana-gol.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:09:05 GMT This news release is big on buzz words short on details about what this agreement will mean for passengers. Sounds like more codeshare flights, and "increased earning and redemption oportunities and improved recognition"
With Avianaca already being Star Alliance and GOL having an existing codeshare agreement I'll be interested in the details

Unlocking the Americas: Air Canada and Abra Group Sign Memorandum to Expand Travel and Connectivity between Canada, Latin America and Beyond

Establishes pathway to strategic partnership of Air Canada and Abra Group and a joint business agreement
Customers will benefit from an improved travel experience, expanded loyalty benefits, and enhanced cargo services
Enables revenue sharing and deeper commercial integration, including expanded codeshare

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Air Canada and Abra Group today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a broad, long-term strategic partnership. The agreement between Canada’s largest airline and the Latin American air transport company, whose carriers include the Avianca and GOL brands, would enable the partners to expand their global reach, providing customers and shippers greater connectivity across North, Central and South America and beyond. Any final agreement is subject to final documentation and regulatory approval.

“Air Canada and Abra Group are building the foundations for an enhanced partnership that will further unlock the Americas. With Latin America acting as a fast-growing and strategic component of Air Canada’s global presence, our customers to and from the region have long benefited from existing codeshare partnerships with Abra Group. Building from a highly complementary presence across the Americas, this Memorandum of Understanding between our world-class airlines creates a pathway to further bolster our partnership, improve the customer experience, and enhance global connectivity. We look forward to working alongside Abra Group to deliver meaningful value to our customers and partners,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and President of Cargo at Air Canada.

Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer at Abra commented: “This milestone agreement with Air Canada reinforces our ambition to redefine connectivity across the Americas and beyond. At Abra Group, we believe in building seamless, integrated networks that bring people, cultures, and economies closer together. Our complementary strengths with Air Canada expand travel options and create a more connected hemisphere, unlocking new opportunities for our customers, our partners, and the regions we serve. This is a significant step toward shaping a more accessible and dynamic aviation ecosystem.”

Mary-Jane Lorette, Vice President, Revenue Management, Partnerships and International Affairs at Air Canada, added: “The Canada–South America market is accelerating, and we are investing to capture this momentum, expanding into key markets such as Lima, Santiago and Rio de Janeiro, with further growth ahead in Quito while building on our strong foundation with Avianca through Star Alliance and our long-standing collaboration with GOL to shape connectivity across the Americas and unlock greater value for our customers.”

Partnership highlights

Under the proposed strategic partnership, which is subject to the negotiation of final documentation and regulatory approval, Air Canada and Abra would:

Expand global reach by strengthening connectivity between Canada and key Latin America markets, with broader access to international markets;
Deepen commercial integration through coordinated sales and distribution;
Establish a Joint Business Agreement on select Canada-Latin America routes, to enable deeper commercial integration;
Expand codeshare cooperation across the Americas and beyond, including for travel between Latin America and other international markets via Canadian gateways;
Enhance the Customer Experience to provide more seamless travel, including coordinated airport services, smoother connections, aligned baggage policies, and improved disruption management;
Strengthen frequent flyer cooperation, delivering increased earning and redemption opportunities and improved recognition across both networks;
Explore greater cargo collaboration, including opportunities to offer more seamless and efficient solutions across key markets in the Americas in support of growing trade flows.

]]> Air Canada | Aeroplan eastexpress https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-canada-aeroplan/2219145-air-canada-agreement-agra-group-aviana-gol.html Award search broken? https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar-airways-privilege-club/2219143-award-search-broken.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:33:21 GMT Hi. I am trying to find an award flight (any class) from Scandinavia to South East Asia in September / October 2026, but whatever I search for (at least the destinations Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta) all comes up totally empty. Do others see the... Hi.

I am trying to find an award flight (any class) from Scandinavia to South East Asia in September / October 2026, but whatever I search for (at least the destinations Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta) all comes up totally empty. Do others see the same thing, or is there perhaps something wrong with my Privilege Club account? ]]> Qatar Airways | Privilege Club AndersBolager https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qatar-airways-privilege-club/2219143-award-search-broken.html AC Pilot Licensing https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-canada-aeroplan/2219142-ac-pilot-licensing.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:04:49 GMT The article is behind a paywall but I was surprised to read that there was an AC pilot who was promoted from First Officer to Captain with a CPL but not the requisite ATPL. ... The article is behind a paywall but I was surprised to read that there was an AC pilot who was promoted from First Officer to Captain with a CPL but not the requisite ATPL.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/busi...on-for-flying/

That is quite an error by AC. ]]> Air Canada | Aeroplan YYJ _SLF https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-canada-aeroplan/2219142-ac-pilot-licensing.html Involuntary class downgrade https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/etihad-airways-etihad-guest/2219140-involuntary-class-downgrade.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:26:35 GMT The problems continue. One sector of my flight was was changed to a flight many hours earlier and downgraded to business from first. However there was no attempt to return the fare difference to me. My travel agent has been following up but... The problems continue. One sector of my flight was was changed to a flight many hours earlier and downgraded to business from first.

However there was no attempt to return the fare difference to me. My travel agent has been following up but apparently to no avail. ]]> Etihad Airways | Etihad Guest epigram https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/etihad-airways-etihad-guest/2219140-involuntary-class-downgrade.html Airlink in CPT, Transfer to LH in JNB: International or Local departures? https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/lufthansa-austrian-swiss-brussels-lot-ita-other-partners-miles-more/2219139-airlink-cpt-transfer-lh-jnb-international-local-departures.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:45:26 GMT I normally fly out of South Africa directly from CPT, but this time I'm flying SA Airlink to JHB first and then on to FRA. Do I check in at the International Departures terminal at CPT, or Local Departures? And does my luggage get checked through to FRA, or do I need to collect in JHB and re-check-in?

]]> ceejay_za https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/lufthansa-austrian-swiss-brussels-lot-ita-other-partners-miles-more/2219139-airlink-cpt-transfer-lh-jnb-international-local-departures.html Thailand digital arrival card https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2219138-thailand-digital-arrival-card.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:45:10 GMT I didn't see a thread on this topic when I searched, but if there is one, please merge.

I arrived in BKK today on the way to USM and didn't know about the digital arrival card, so I ended up spending a solid thirty minutes at the kiosk trying to get it go through. It was really finicky (similar to the VN evisa website, which I recently started a thread about).

There is a website for the digital arrival card, and you should definitely use it and get it done before you fly. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what the proper link is. I can tell you that the site that's currently at the top of Google search results is a phishing site, though. The first immigration lady I spoke with confirmed this. If I can find what I believe is the official site, I'll try update this post with a link. Or, maybe someone else here already knows it and can post.

ETA: My boss just sent me the link he used and it looks legit to me:
https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home ]]> Asia moondog https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/2219138-thailand-digital-arrival-card.html Taxes on avios upgrade https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-british-airways-club/2219137-taxes-avios-upgrade.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:26:50 GMT I’ve found availability to upgrade a booking to the east cost in a weeks time from CW to F. Been quoted a reduction from 99k avios down to 88k but around £550 pp (2 pax) additional in taxes. Anyone had any luck with getting quoted lower tax... I’ve found availability to upgrade a booking to the east cost in a weeks time from CW to F.

Been quoted a reduction from 99k avios down to 88k but around £550 pp (2 pax) additional in taxes.

Anyone had any luck with getting quoted lower tax amounts in similar situations? I’d rather not pay that much in tax and I’ve seen other threads with people saying the amounts can be inconsistent.

if I’d have any luck calling back and keeping my fingers crossed for a different quote then I’ll give it a go ]]> British Airways | The British Airways Club Hazgreen https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-british-airways-club/2219137-taxes-avios-upgrade.html % of Japanese with passports https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/2219136-japanese-passports.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:17:04 GMT Watched an interview with a JL manager and he said the passport ownership rate in Japan is only about 25% Google shows it even lower at 20% or less. very surprising to see such a low number. but Japan domestic travel is very nice so maybe dont... Watched an interview with a JL manager and he said the passport ownership rate in Japan is only about 25%
Google shows it even lower at 20% or less.

very surprising to see such a low number.
but Japan domestic travel is very nice so maybe dont need to leave the country much

]]> Japan HawaiiO https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/japan/2219136-japanese-passports.html