American Airlines seats
Dec 22nd, 2012, 06:09 AM
#1
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American Airlines seats
Tomorrow, DH & I are flying on AA. When we booked the tickets, the seat selection was poor, and it isn't any better today. There are better seats available that would cost $14 each leg. My question is: If those seats are still available when we get to the airport at (literally) 0 dark 30 tomorrow, would be we able to move to those without paying extra? Thanks.
Dec 22nd, 2012, 06:37 AM
#3
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I checked seat availability right before I posted, as it is now less than 24 hours before our first flight.
I'm not worried, just curious.
It isn't $14, but $112-- 2 people, 2 flights there and 2 flights back.
I'm not worried, just curious.
It isn't $14, but $112-- 2 people, 2 flights there and 2 flights back.
Dec 22nd, 2012, 06:50 AM
#4
Presumably if it's less than 24h to boarding, then AA elites have already taken the "MCE" - main cabin extra - seats allotted to them by virtue of their status, so the seats that are left would be up for grabs. They'll only be allocated to walk-ups once the seats are under airport control, so if you don't want to spend the money you can take your chances.
The same would be the case coming back - if there are open seats at T-24, then you can take your chances then, too. It's all about your own risk tolerance I suppose. Nobody can tell you if the seats will be open.
One thing to note is that, assuming these are two-class flights (coach and business/first) then there might be some day of travel upgrades for elites currently occupying the MCE seats but waitlisted for upgrades. In that case there could be a knock-on effect where those MCE seats come open at the last minute, allowing those without MCE assignment to move into them.
At this time of year, however, I'd give that second scenario very low odds.
The same would be the case coming back - if there are open seats at T-24, then you can take your chances then, too. It's all about your own risk tolerance I suppose. Nobody can tell you if the seats will be open.
One thing to note is that, assuming these are two-class flights (coach and business/first) then there might be some day of travel upgrades for elites currently occupying the MCE seats but waitlisted for upgrades. In that case there could be a knock-on effect where those MCE seats come open at the last minute, allowing those without MCE assignment to move into them.
At this time of year, however, I'd give that second scenario very low odds.
Dec 23rd, 2012, 03:01 PM
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AA won't put you in the premium seats without a payment unless they have to. So if you already have a seat assignment, you cannot move to The premium seats for free even at the airport. You might be offered an exit row at the gate, however. That occasionally happens. But the planes are flying full these days, and frequent fliers are the only ones being offered those seats as upgrades.
Though that does mean that on occasion better free seats do come available. I'd still check in online as early as you can.
Though that does mean that on occasion better free seats do come available. I'd still check in online as early as you can.
Jan 3rd, 2013, 01:18 AM
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To my opinion AA is NOT a very good airline because one time they booked us the wrong flight so really I don't think they will let you move the seats without a fee hope this helps a little have a nice flight 
