Originally Posted by dstan

• What are Preferred Plus seats?

Preferred Plus (previously Preferred) seats include all exit row seats, and certain window and aisle seats toward the front of each aircraft. The exact number and location of Preferred Plus seats varies depending on the aircraft, flight, and day of week. While Preferred Plus seats do not necessarily have any more legroom than standard seats, some exit row seats and MD-80 seats forward of the exit rows do have extra legroom. Also, because those eligible for Preferred Plus seats also receive PriorityAAccess boarding, they can both board first and deplane first from seats near the front of the aircraft.

Preferred Plus seats are available for advance reservation only by AAdvantage and oneworld elite members, AAirpass members, and full fare/AAnytime Award passengers (Y, B), and their traveling companions on the same reservation. Available Preferred Plus seats are shaded in purple on AA.com seat maps, although occupied Preferred Plus seats are not designated. All Preferred Plus seats are released for general assignment when the flight transfers to airport control on the day of departure.

AA.com: Seating Options | FAQ | View Available Seats
AA.com: Special Assistance: Prereserved Seating
FT: Preferred seat - What does it mean?
FT: Preferred Seats rebranded as Preferred Plus Seats (Aug 25, 2011)