So somebody on a cheapo BE fair can potentially get an MCE seat if they play the game (and worst case, they get a rear middle seat - what they paid for) - all while those on normal fare tickets are stuck in their selected seats that aren't MCE, and could not select MCE even within 24 hours of booking?

Way to go, AA.

Just a data point - I have seen people checking in on BE tickets get assigned to a seat that was blocked. To be cautious, I'd consider those to be potentially assignable seats that the system might drop you in.

Thank you! I will do that-but if the flight is oversold (and I think it will be given weather cancellations the day before) is there any
danger I could be IDB?

Marlin, I see you participated in the last thread, which was already referenced earlier. The answer has not changed since then. You will get the worst seat still available, commensurate with the fare you purchased.

Of course the best option is to just buy the MCE seat.

Thank you. I'll report back.

To me the only way this works properly is if AA takes the last few rows of Y, takes the rows down to 28 inch pitch and offer those seats for BE. Once they sell out of those seats the buyer would only have the option of Main Cabin. That way the buyer gets what they paid for. AA could even require $$ for soft drinks for that section.

I think BE is headed this way (courtesy of MadTV)

The biggest problem for this is when people miss a connection and get re-booked on the next available flight and all that is left are these seats. Yes, you would probably be able to wait until the next available flight with regular main cabin seats, but it is a big negative repercussion that could help push some people away from the airline.

I did find it surprising that BE regularly get MCE middle seats still especially after they added free drinks.

I would imagine they would have only offered it to paid or status MCE by using the tablets. Although, it's possible the IT system is unable to handle this.

Well I assume it would be the same for flyers that have a J seat. They miss the connection to Europe or SA and what's left is coach, or they wait. In general it shouldn't have a huge effect. Load factors wouldn't change that much. I would think AA could easily sell off the last few rows of Y on BE fares and I wouldn't see many of them going out empty.

Just wanted to report that I had good luck with checking in at T-1.5 hours
All seats were taken on ExpertFlyer and 4 seats in the back were marked with an X. Somehow, I got row 13 aisle.

I find it annoying that any non-elite passengers ever get MCE seats they didn't pay for. First, as mentioned earlier in the thread, in an IRROPS situation, it would be nice if the MCE seats were available. Second, having an empty middle seat should also be something that occurs from time to time.

Would be nice! Those purchasing BE have to sit somewhere though, and AA should be assigning them to MCE only if there aren't any other seats available at the time. Not sure what else they could do short of waiting to assign BE seats until right at boarding to ensure MCE seats are filled only as a last resort. They aren't going to let those seats fly empty and bump a BE passenger with an unassigned seat to protect the prestige, hah.

I wonder if BE flyers that end up in MCE are even aware of the free alcohol benefit? I would expect most are not, even if it's mentioned in passing over the PA.

So you can buy BE, wait for last minute to get an assigned seat, actually get assigned a MCE seat, and get a free drink. Excellent motivator for the Kettles.