I recently booked a redemption using my growing stash of aadvantage miles (thanks to Raffles!). An interested turn up for the books though. AA had originally told me that my BA status wouldn't help in terms of seat selection on my redemption, but after much cajoling, the agent added my BAEC number.

Almost immediately, all seats were available for selection, include the "Main Cabin Extra" seats on the 77w (which they claim to be prem econ type seats with 3-3-3 config instead of 3-4-3 and up to 6" extra leg room). I have now booked these for free, and couldn't be more delighted with my flights - MIA-LAX and LAX-LHR a few days later for a grand total of 20,000 miles and 3 quid tax!