Originally Posted by
Gig103
Mark, it was my understanding that at T-24, the main cabin customers (non elite) can choose any green seats for free if they are still there. I'm going to be losing my gold status this year (flew on awards) so I'd like clarification, please.
I was non-statused until just this year, and I remember quite clearly seeing the 'green seats' only available for an upcharge when I checked in within T-24. So, I think (but can't confirm) that your understanding is wrong.
On wide-bodies, AA is pretty cruel with their seat options for non-elite members, especially if you like aisles or have a family that wants to sit together. If I was non-statused and on one of these planes, I would rather take a BE fare for the family (where AA's system seats us together in the back due to the under 15 year old kid) than buy a regular discount Y fare and be forced to buy 1 or 2 'premium' seats in order to get three assigned seats together.
I do believe that the 'elite only' starred seats DO open up at T-24, but green still equals upcharge.