Originally Posted by
jlin011
This happened to me in reverse (AA EXP on AS metal on two different paid PNRs). Could not combine the PNRs, so I assigned myself an aisle seat up front and watched the AS seatmap closely. Some time after T-24 a middle seat opened up in front next to me and I was able to snag it for my SO. Could suggest same the strategy for AA, or call back and see if you can get a sympathetic phone agent?
Not sure if that will work- AA doesn't open up preferred/MCE to the universe at T-24, does it?