Originally Posted by yyznomad

1. Yes, seat selection counts toward AQD.
2. No, but AC is known to offer buy-ups, and if you are offered a buy-up, I assure you it will be more than $5. (Anecdotally, IIRC, they have also offered comp-ups, but only for those way-exceeding AQD and very close on AQM/AQS)
3. No. You'll have to pay via some sort of revenue stream to AC.