Seat selection after booking through third party

[Saurs82]

Looking at some flights to Japan from adl cheapest and best with layovers is Malaysian via aunt Betty. Too book seats through aunt Betty appears to be nearly double the cost as if I booked direct via MH. Only problem is flights direct through MH are a lot more than aunt Betty.
If I book via aunt Betty I can then book seats direct through the airline can’t I? If so will the cost of seats be the same as aunt Betty charges or the cost I was getting through MH?

 

[sap1l]

I can select seats on an MH itinerary issued by my TA. The cost is the same.

However I do not know if this is a TA-specific setting, as you cannot select seats on QF flights issued by some online travel agents.

As an aside, I’m personally a bit suspicious of finding tickets that are that much cheaper on an online travel agent vs direct from the airline. Just make sure you’re getting the same inclusions on your ticket.

 

[Cynicor]

I can select seats on an MH itinerary issued by my TA. The cost is the same.

However I do not know if this is a TA-specific setting, as you cannot select seats on QF flights issued by some online travel agents.

As an aside, I’m personally a bit suspicious of finding tickets that are that much cheaper on an online travel agent vs direct from the airline. Just make sure you’re getting the same inclusions on your ticket.

Agree to check inclusions, but normally from seat selection it’s all the same.

Sometimes the wholesalers are cheaper due to volume discounts or trying to meet targets. I’ve saved 40% on international business fares before.

 

[DC3]

Too book seats through aunt Betty appears to be nearly double the cost as if I booked direct via MH.

 

[Saurs82]

I can select seats on an MH itinerary issued by my TA. The cost is the same.

However I do not know if this is a TA-specific setting, as you cannot select seats on QF flights issued by some online travel agents.

As an aside, I’m personally a bit suspicious of finding tickets that are that much cheaper on an online travel agent vs direct from the airline. Just make sure you’re getting the same inclusions on your ticket.

Yes me to I normally only book direct

 

[ermen]

I can select seats on an MH itinerary issued by my TA. The cost is the same.

However I do not know if this is a TA-specific setting, as you cannot select seats on QF flights issued by some online travel agents.

As an aside, I’m personally a bit suspicious of finding tickets that are that much cheaper on an online travel agent vs direct from the airline. Just make sure you’re getting the same inclusions on your ticket.

you actually get MORE luggage booking with an OTA than direct with MH...

 

[PERLHR]

you actually get MORE luggage booking with an OTA than direct with MH...

How does that work then? ,

 

[Ade]

How does that work then? ,

Some TAs have agreements that enable those TAs to give more baggage allowance. For instance, a BASIC fare sold by MH gives 20kg, but the same BASIC fare sold by a TA who is in agreement can give 30kg.

 

[Ade]

If I book via aunt Betty I can then book seats direct through the airline can’t I? If so will the cost of seats be the same as aunt Betty charges or the cost I was getting through MH?

From what I know, the $ for services (seats, meals, lounge) are same regardless from whom the ticket is purchased. Once you have purchased the ticket from a TA/OTA, open MH MMB using your PNR and last name and select Services menu. Note that MH website charges in USD (I think, from experience, may be this is changed to AUD now, not sure). If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

 

[PERLHR]

Some TAs have agreements that enable those TAs to give more baggage allowance. For instance, a BASIC fare sold by MH is 20kg, but the same BASIC fare sold by a TA who is in agreement can give 30kg.

Gosh first time I have heard of this..hope the check in people have it clear on their system and its clear on the pax docs.

 

[Ade]

you actually get MORE luggage booking with an OTA than direct with MH...

Not just OTAs, even some non-online TAs can give the additional luggage. Just need to know the right TA for this. From experience, of the TAs that I have engaged with so far, only one is able to give the additional baggage on MH.

 

[Ade]

Gosh first time I have heard of this..hope the check in people have it clear on their system and its clear on the pax docs.

Yea... the system seems to be reflecting the right allowance and I have not had any issues at check-in so far. I get the 30kg plus the OWE/S allowance tacked on top of it, never had an issue with weight of baggage at check-in flying MH.

The passenger docs reflect the right allowance everytime (unless the TA mucked it for some reason). However, the cynic in me says that the doc (etkt issued by TA, in this case) doesn't mean anything, but if the airline system ain't showing the right thing.

Side bar: Now, flying UL - have had some issues - more like had to give a crash course on the benefits of OWE/S allowance to UL check-in staff at a few ports, including, but not surprisingly CMB!!