Originally Posted by
WheelsFirst
American reserves a large number of seats for elites and full fare pax, these aren't MCE or preferred, just regular seats around the middle of the plane. These seats open up at T-24, and are probably the ones you saw.
Bingo.
Originally Posted by
RogerD408
One event is not enough to demonstrate deceptive practices, but I'd say if it happens repeatedly, then you may be onto something.
I think it's a bit of a stretch to call this "deceptive." A non-status passenger is paying for a
guaranteed (well, inasmuch as seat reservations on any flight are guaranteed) window or aisle seat near the front of the plane. As
carlosdca notes, if you don't want to pay to guarantee a decent seat, you're welcome to roll the dice and hope that one becomes available at check-in.
OP stated an intolerance for middle seats and paid to ensure he didn't have to sit in one, thereby getting what he paid for.