I have 5 seats booked for next week with Avios. I cannot select seat assignments online because there are not 5 free seats available (only 3). There are however 10 paid seats available. 5 at $24 and 5 at $49; not counting the 5 in an exit row.
AA online says to get seat assignments at the desk or the gate the day of.
Will AA then have the paid seats open for free? When is the best time for me to try to get seat assignments? My flight isn't until noon, but I'll drive down to the airport to get an assignment at midnight if I can ensure good seats together.