AA charging extra for all aisle and window seats?!

tlubww · Jan 10, 13, 4:01 pm

I just booked a ticket from NYC to MIA for June and when it sent me to the page to select seats, only middle seats were available free of charge. Is this a new thing where they are going to be charging for everything but a middle or was this a fluke and I should call them?

Longhornmaniac8 · Jan 10, 13, 4:05 pm

AA has included many aisle and window seats, particularly those in the front of the airplane, with their Preferred pricing system.

Not all require an additional fee, but what you may have seen is that all the freely available aisles and windows have already been taken.

Cheers,
Cameron

FWAAA · Jan 10, 13, 4:05 pm

Welcome to Flyertalk.

Do you have AAdvantage elite status (Gold, Platinum or EXP)? If not, then AA may want to shake you down for a non-middle seat assignment.

tlubww · Jan 10, 13, 4:06 pm

Ugh. The latest in a long list of my issues with AA. Thanks for the prompt response!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhornmaniac8

AA has included many aisle and window seats, particularly those in the front of the airplane, with their Preferred pricing system.

Not all require an additional fee, but what you may have seen is that all the freely available aisles and windows have already been taken.

Cheers,
Cameron

tlubww · Jan 10, 13, 4:08 pm

Thanks -- long time lurker, first time I've been annoyed enough to post! I don't have status as I don't fly them very often. I am a additional user on someone else's gold card but it doesn't seem to transfer. Maybe if I offer a candy bar to the people at check in they'll do me a solid.

clacko · Jan 10, 13, 4:18 pm

if it hasn't changed, the seats are opened up at 24 hrs pre flight w/no charge for the preferred seats....its worth a look...

my experience is 4 months back w/non elite daughter & 2 kids...

do it before on line checkin.....you can't select after...

dickinson · Jan 10, 13, 5:38 pm

Is it not sensible to charge less for middle seats than aisle and window seats?

mvoight · Jan 10, 13, 6:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by clacko

if it hasn't changed, the seats are opened up at 24 hrs pre flight w/no charge for the preferred seats....its worth a look...

my experience is 4 months back w/non elite daughter & 2 kids...

do it before on line checkin.....you can't select after...

Are you sure about the 24 hours part?
I am trying to change seats for someone on AA615 (ORD-SNA) tomorrow and it wants $39 for 11D or 11E (and others), and it is well under 24 hours.

cynicAAl · Jan 10, 13, 6:16 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlubww

Maybe if I offer a candy bar to the people at check in they'll do me a solid.

even if there's anything left other than a middle seat at checkin, I highly doubt they'll be swayed by a candy bar. They're more likely to be insulted, and seat you in the last row next to the lav.

mvoight · Jan 10, 13, 6:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlubww

I just booked a ticket from NYC to MIA for June and when it sent me to the page to select seats, only middle seats were available free of charge. Is this a new thing where they are going to be charging for everything but a middle or was this a fluke and I should call them?

I checked for flights on Jun 7. I looked at the first one JFK-MIA AA1144 using a non-elite account and I see a lot of aisle and window seats, so I suspect it might be related to the specific flight you are on.

will2288 · Jan 10, 13, 6:28 pm

I wouldn't go so far as to say I like AA's policy, but it does allow those who have no status, book late and are willing to pay the chance to have decent seats.

At least AA has some seats for free for non-elites, unlike say BA.

norf9 · Jan 10, 13, 6:49 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvoight

Are you sure about the 24 hours part?
I am trying to change seats for someone on AA615 (ORD-SNA) tomorrow and it wants $39 for 11D or 11E (and others), and it is well under 24 hours.

I just checked the policy here and it looks like they are never opened up online for free, but it seems to imply that if there are no other available seats you will be assigned on at airport checkin for free.

clacko · Jan 10, 13, 7:16 pm

re post #6 above....i checked a flight for tomorrow.....it had some blue seats w/$ & a bunch more aisles & windows available w/o the $...

1st 1 or 2 rows & exits n/a...

didn't log in....

of course, at some load, all will be under gate control....

mwk190 · Jan 10, 13, 8:09 pm

In my experience when booking for others there are some flights where only middle seats are available for non-elites even if the plane is empty. Seems likely it varies based on anticipated demand (route, time of day, day of week, etc.).

Also in my experience elite seats are released at T-24 but not MCE seats.

jagoffee · Jan 10, 13, 8:31 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlubww

Thanks -- long time lurker, first time I've been annoyed enough to post! I don't have status as I don't fly them very often. I am a additional user on someone else's gold card but it doesn't seem to transfer. Maybe if I offer a candy bar to the people at check in they'll do me a solid.

What is the date of your flight and the flight number?