Originally Posted by
3Cforme
Somebody recently posted the timeframe when preferred seats became open to assignment to non-elites. I don't recall if that is two hours (or perhaps three) before scheduled flight time.
If you can't buy YBM fares to gain access to the good (coach) seats, the clear solution is to fly enough to gain at least Silver status.
Preferred seats open to non-status passengers two hours prior to departure. At this time, they can be selected at kiosks and OLCI. They are always available to passengers on Y and B fares, but not M fares.