AA Plat Pro who is back doing a lot of AS transcons to SEA recently. As others have said, if you have 2 or less in your PNR you should be able to select Premium after booking. I have never traveled with more than 2 in a PNR so I can't help there, but I have seen that calling does lead to success for people.

For upgrades to F, I've died at 1 on my last two flights, but usually don't have an issue upgrading if you don't go on premium travel times. On a transcon tonight with my significant other, and we were 2/3 on the waitlist at check-in. It was J4 at T24, and then the Alaska magical upgrade processor started working and 1, 4, 5, and 6 all cleared, leaving me and significant other at 1/2 with J0. I think if you want F, don't count on an upgrade if you're traveling with someone else on your PNR.

Anyone have advice on what to do if a seat opens in first? My significant other has no status, so if we split, would she lose her seat in Premium?