Qatar Airways Seat Selection

[jmprice]

Booking directly with Qatar does not guarantee you free seat selection.

I didn't say it would. I said if you booked the relevant fare direct with Qatar. In Qatar's case, this would be a comfort economy fare (all seat selection included) or convenience economy fare (standard seat selection included, $ for preferred seats).

 

[Vic]

I didn't say it would. I said if you booked the relevant fare direct with Qatar. In Qatar's case, this would be a comfort economy fare (all seat selection included) or convenience economy fare (standard seat selection included, $ for preferred seats).

Booking via Virgin website seems to follow those some allowance. I have a "V" fare and a "Q" fare booked yesterday, both in Choice category with Virgin Aust. The "V" fare gets free standard seats, the "Q" doesn't.
However, this information does not seem to be available at time of booking. At least Qatar website is transparent on seat inclusions.

 

[flyingmachine]

I recently tried with velocity gold on an economy Qatar flight - no seat selection for my fare type. Had to switch to Qatar gold to get the free seat selection but like others have said it would all disappear if I put velocity back in at a later time.

Actually caused problems with points and status credits - it ended up all going to Qatar despite me trying to change the booking back to Velocity at check-in. :/

 

[clarkkent]

Actually caused problems with points and status credits - it ended up all going to Qatar despite me trying to change the booking back to Velocity at check-in. :/

eek, I was hoping I could have my QR number in right through to check-in then have them change it to VA. Is that because the check-in agent didn't actually do it? My first leg is VA-operated, dunno if that will make a difference.

And I wonder then what's the solution? Just have the VA number on there, use the QR card to enter lounges and priority queues, and forego seat selection and any other QR plat benefits? Or leave it all blank, retro claim everything, and again use the card where possible?

 

[flyingmachine]

eek, I was hoping I could have my QR number in right through to check-in then have them change it to VA. Is that because the check-in agent didn't actually do it? My first leg is VA-operated, dunno if that will make a difference.

And I wonder then what's the solution? Just have the VA number on there, use the QR card to enter lounges and priority queues, and forego seat selection and any other QR plat benefits? Or leave it all blank, retro claim everything, and again use the card where possible?

It is a little messed up - I checked in online but if you tried to change it to velocity as you check in it won't let you. Velocity isn't an option for frequent flyer program on that screen (it is if you try to change it via the booking itself but not on the check-in webpages).

I left it as Qatar at check-in/bag drop so I could use the extra lounge passes that you get with Qatar Privilege Gold to take in a few extra guests to the lounge.

I tried to change while I was in the lounge but that didn't work - multiple error messages. I thought it went through but then later noticed it the points had landed in my Qatar account (and the points come a few hours before you even get on the plane).

Maybe I should've asked them at the check-in/bag drop counter? All seems a bit tricky

 

[Vic]

It might be a long shot, but your could see if the airline staff know about the FQTV and FQTS fields.
FQTV for accrual and FQTS for status recognition.

I briefly asked about changing my FF number on a Qatar booking to send earn to VA and not QF recently. The agent in Rome started to say things like they might know about FQTV and FQTS, but I decided against making the change.

 

[humley123]

Just adding another voice to this - I booked a VA codeshare operated by Qatar to London and back and found I couldn’t select seats on any of the legs without paying exorbitant fees even for a regular seat.

I contacted Virgin and they couldn’t help so I contacted Qatar who were able to add my Qatar Platinum status unlocking free seat selection but removing my Velocity number in the process. Really frustrating noting I booked the codeshare to benefit from the 100% points bonus as a Velocity Platinum member. Qatar also confirmed non-One World marketed flights get no status bonus for Avios accrual and no QPoints. Would love to hear if anyone has found a workaround to this - perhaps changing to VA membership just before check-in? I’m worried this will see me lose my seat selection though…