I have an American Airlines issued award ticket on Qatar in economy (X) that allowed for free seat selection on Qatar’s website. Interesting it let me select exit row/extra legroom for free so I went ahead and picked those seats. The website indicated they were free and issued an eticket receipt showing them as confirmed.

I checked in for the flight online without an issue and got mobile boarding passes showing my correct seats and I thought everything was ok. When I got to the airport to drop my bags off the agent said the seats were unpaid and needed to be paid for at the desk (~$150). I refused to pay and after speaking with the station manager (I believe) was offered alternative seats for free. I again pushed back and was eventually given my seats as selected without payment.

Obviously things ended in my favor, but I’m curious is this common and how can I avoid it going forward? Maybe an issue with AA issued awards in a similar style to the baggage issue.