Using AA awards and new to their flights. It seems all seats come with a price when I log into their seat map in the back of the bus. Not that I can't afford this, but more of a principle issue in my head. I think we can check in 48~4 hours prior to our flight on their website. Does this mean their system will then assign our seats once we checked int? Will we have any options to pick our free seats during our check in process? Or will this award booking be treated like a domestic basic economy tickets and we will have to wait until T minus 30 mins at the gate to get our seat assignments?
Suggesting contacting them now (email/call) with a specific seating request. Otherwise you should be able to make a selection at OLCI.