It's been discussed here how stingy AA is with "A" First Class availability on the 3-class JFK-LAX-JFK route. I haven't seen it discussed that it appears AA releases lots of A inventory a few days before the flight, and with 11 daily frequencies or whatever, there will almost always be some availability a day or two in advance, albeit not necessarily on every flight.

A quick unscientific check revealed NO "A" availability on any flight one month out (except one seat on one of the redeyes) but a very good selection of availability two days out. Interestingly, more of the flights two days out were sold out in "D" than sold out in "A".

Moral of the story -- don't freak out if you can't confirm "A" on this route when setting up the OWE ticket. Just confirm D (for the worst case scenario) which is more bountiful in advance, and then change the reservation as "A" becomes available shortly before departure.

I fly this route every two weeks or so. You are ABSOLUTELY correct. Do not despair. The A seats open up about 48-72 hours prior to departure....