Yeah, just keep trying until you get to the airport. I had this problem with even elite status. I had to switch to a different flight due to a delay issue. The phone agent was able to ticket even though she could not select a seat for me.

I could not check-in online and when I used a kiosk, it gave me a standby card. An agent gave me the department management card which the gate agent exchanged for an actual seat assignment.

I thought AA would auto-assign you a seat at onlin3 check-in even if they had to give you a $ one. I guess not. A kind phone agent might be able to assign you a/the seat for no charge -- otherwise off to the airport you go.

In summary, if this happens to you more than once (can't select a seat at booking), I would pick a different airline.

Rasheed