MH Domestic Y seat selection and through-check

[andye]

Have just bought some (very cheap) Y flights KUL-TGG to connect to a separate SYD-KUL (also MH Y) for family holiday

Website won't let me choose seats for free despite OWS status. Phone agent said seat selection not free either
Should I HUACA? I will only be OWR when I take the flights but the flight is short and I suspect will not be full

She also said they wouldn't be able to through-check bags as on separate tickets (first flight CX redemption). Might they do this in practice. I have over 3 hours at KUL but it would be a bit of a faff

Thanks

 

[Austman]

Should I HUACA?

Status makes no difference in Y. But the seat selection cost is cheap. Two days before, on-line check-in opens, then it's free.

She also said they wouldn't be able to through-check bags as on separate tickets (first flight CX redemption). Might they do this in practice. I have over 3 hours at KUL but it would be a bit of a faff

I suspect they will do it at SYD check-in.

At KUL, look for the special domestic transfer path in the Main Terminal. It's much quicker than going through regular migration and security.

 

[andye]

Thanks
As a family holiday anything x5 or 6 becomes meaningful.
Have made some good scores with points on the other parts of the trip-the Y long-haul redemption wasn't a highlight though but still a saving as it was a one-way.
Couldn't justify the points for J for that leg though expect there would have been availability with Enrich

 

[Strategic Aviation]

Website won't let me choose seats for free despite OWS status. Phone agent said seat selection not free either
Should I HUACA? I will only be OWR when I take the flights but the flight is short and I suspect will not be full

If it's not a long-haul flight I would just wait until OLCI at T-48. It's usually possible to get seats in the first couple of rows, including front row bulkhead.

It's also possible to select seats free online when booking through Expedia.

She also said they wouldn't be able to through-check bags as on separate tickets (first flight CX redemption). Might they do this in practice. I have over 3 hours at KUL but it would be a bit of a faff

CX initially chose not to when oneworld changed its separate ticket interline policy, but then reversed that decision last month ("as a courtesy"). MH will through-check on separate tickets.

Through-check to final destination on separate tickets - Cathay Pacific

Through-check to final destination
Last updated: 20 Dec 2016
Effective 1 January 2017, as a courtesy, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon will through-check you and your bags to your final destination if you are travelling on separate tickets involving connections with our airline partners. However, through-check may not be possible if your travel begins with an airline that does not provide separate ticket through-check service.

Before You Fly - Check-In - Counter | Malaysia Airlines

Through check-in for guests holding separate tickets
You can now perform through check-in over the counter if you’re travelling on separate tickets on the following flights operated by Malaysia Airlines (MH) connecting with our oneworld or codeshare partner carriers. With this facility, you’ll enjoy the convenience of having your bags checked through to your final destination when you check in.