I selected a MCE seat upon purchase of my LHR -> LAX ticket, which appeared in the app even after check-in, however the printed boarding pass I received at LHR was for a seat in the main coach cabin. The response I received from AA was this: (basically that MCE seats for elites are considered "upgrades" and not confirmed until they know if they can sell the seat since they cannot "lose revenue" by "giving away" these seats - but how much revenue are they going to lose if all their elites jump ship to another program?!?). Note: I've been a platinum member for 5+ years and gold before that.



July 5, 2016

Thank you for contacting Customer Relations regarding your preference for a Main Cabin Extra seat.

I apologize for any confusion regarding advance seat assignments. Our records do not indicate that you purchased a Main Cabin Extra seat. While the purchase of a Main Cabin Extra seat is always optional and not required, even when a flight is full (customers without prereserved seats are assigned seats at the airport), it does guarantee a customer receives their desired seat.

I can understand your surprise and disappointment with the reassigned seat and its location. With respect to our Main Cabin Extra seating arrangements, seats that are expected to be unsold are released for assignment to elite members who have requested upgrades. Please understand that there is a market for these seats, and we must be able to sell this service to last-minute passengers who are willing to pay premium fares. We cannot dilute revenue from the sale of these seats by giving away 100% of our premium product for a complimentary upgrade.

Despite our best efforts, we are unable to guarantee specific seats will be available upon check-in. This applies to seats requested directly with our Reservations agents as well as to seating requested via our website. Operational challenges encountered throughout our routing system will occasionally affect the cabin configuration and pre-assigned seating for a specific flight.

We value your long-standing loyalty and support and are eager to continue the relationship we have enjoyed over the years. Please be assured we are all working hard to provide the high quality service you have every right to expect when traveling on America


Sincerely,
Lisa M.
Customer Relations
American Airlines