If the OP were to get a qualifying Barclays or Citi AA credit card, he would get Group 5 boarding on AA flights -- even when booking a Basic Economy fare. For even greater odds of being able to stow a carry-on bag, he could also select -- and pay extra for -- a Main Cabin Extra (extra-leg-room) seat, which comes with dedicated overhead bins, although flight attendants do not always ensure that only MCE passengers utilize such bins.