One other thing since you are on a paid fare. I'm not sure if there is another carrier that could service the route in question on the dates you want to fly, but I have asked for and been granted that as a solution when part of our family was left in limbo with an equipment change. It was on Delta, not American, but it was ultimately a resolution they agreed to (and did involve them shelling out some $$). I really don't get why anyone thinks that downgrade compensation is remotely acceptable, even though that is what the airlines try to foist on us via the CoC. Most people who buy tickets up front don't do it just because, they do it because they don't want to sit in economy, so it's ridiculous to think the fare difference is appropriate compensation. I think waiting until departure day to sort this out is fraught with peril and will likely lead to a worst case scenario (including possibly that there isnt even any economy seating left for those in your party who don't have "real" seats now).