record locator/booking ref used by China Airlines ?

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

I'm trying to select a seat for my flight to BKK. I'm travelling on China Airlines (flying from AMS).

 

I've been on the China Airlines website for online check-in, select seat, etc but they are asking for a record locator - a booking reference which starts with a "K". My booking reference starts with an "S" so it doesn't find my details.

 

I didn't book direct with China Airlines, I booked with Netflights. I've checked my e-ticket and there's no reference numbers beginning with K.

 

Anyone used China Airlines?  Is it possible to select your seat?   Will I have to call them direct (they have no UK contacts/phone numbers/customer service) ?

[euroxus]

Have a look here: http://calec.china-airlines.com/seat/us/seat_query.asp

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

Ok, I found the right ref number (via viewtrip.com) and asked about seat selection. Only to get this :

 

Sorry, the ticket class is not applicable for seat selection

 

Looks like I'm doomed. Every time I'm on a long haul flight without reserving a seat, I get the middle seat. every fucking time 

[cockpit]

Check seat garu for a seat plan then call netflights and ask them to assist

[thinkingallowed]

China even have business class tickets that don't include seat selection.

 

*this was true one year ago*

 

Not bad though, whisky drinkers traveling up front should try the Kavalan which is distilled in Taiwan.

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

Just called Netflights, they tried to book seat for me but got the same rejection message. It must only be business class and 1st class that get to reserve a seat early. 

 

I'll get to check-in early on departure day and try to reserve a seat.

[casinoclub]

Call China air direct.  I have flown with them a few times.  No problem selecting seat. 

[wackyjacky]

Use CheckMyTrip:https://www.checkmytrip.com/cmt/apf/cmtng/index?LANGUAGE=US&SITE=NCMTNCMT. If CA uses Amadeus booking software, you're in. Won't work with Sabre.

[losgrad]

Call China air direct.  I have flown with them a few times.  No problem selecting seat. 

 

Yes, and if you become a CA member, then you can seat select online from their website.

 

 

P.S. Keep that 'Record Locator' handy as it makes it easier to check-in, reference your luggage, etc..

[forqalso]

As losgrad said, just join their free frequent flyer program and you can pick your seat.  The only time I couldn't was when I got the deepest discounted ticket off their website.  Still, I was able to by calling their reservation center.  Also, you might have to wait until 30 days before your flight to select your seat.  

 

I had their site open in another window, checking prices from San Francisco, so I cut their Amsterdam number for you.  31-20-646-1001

 

One tip I can share when dealing with them.  They're not 24 hours a day at the call center, so I have called London or Tokyo from my cell with free world wide calling to makes changes when I wouldn't afford to wait. 

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

Thanks for all the extra info. Checkmytrip doesn't work - I tried both my booking reference number and record locator, just get an error message.

 

I joined the freq flyers club at China Airlines, then went on their website to reserve a seat, no can do. Same rejection message - not eligible under my ticket.

 

I guess that just leaves phoning them direct (only reason I didn't do this before was because I only saw China offices/numbers mentioned). I'll try that Amsterdam number, thanks. Fingers crossed !

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

Actually, I just found a UK office number, so I'll try that first.

[wackyjacky]

Googled it a couple X, but can't find which software CA uses. If you haven't called yet, these guys work w/Sabre:https://www.virtuallythere.com/new/login.html;jsessionid=D360FAF5A776067A82DF4BC547C9DED3.node3

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

I haven't called yet - assume they're shut on Xmas day ?

 

Thanks for the link, just tried virtuallythere.com - but code not recognised, so can't be Sabre they use. 

 

I'll call them tomorrow (if they're open).

[Jumpin Jack Flash]

Called them this morning, and they booked me a seat in less than a minute.

 

Great service. Fingers crossed they don't change it before check-in now.

 

13 days to wheels up