We all have our seat preferences — some prefer aisles, some prefer windows, and… well, hopefully nobody prefers a middle seat. 😉 Of course as anyone who has booked a flight can attest to, sometimes our preferred seat types aren’t available. So that brings us to the latest new app feature that American has added, which travelers will appreciate.
American’s new automatic seat change technology
A new feature in the American Airlines app allows AAdvantage members to select the seat characteristics they want upon completing their booking. The feature then automatically moves them when a matching seat becomes available.
So instead of checking a seat map constantly, travelers can just share their preferences, and then the app will do the work. If an eligible seat becomes available, the seat will automatically be changed, and the customer will be notified.
This feature is available up to 24 hours before departure for AAdvantage members traveling on a single passenger reservation with an assigned seat. However, you can already state your preferences once you book, even though monitoring won’t start immediately.
As you’d expect, seat changes are limited to eligible seats within the traveler’s existing cabin, and will not result in any additional seat charges. Based on the screenshots, it would appear that customers can specify whether they’d like an aisle, middle, or window seat, and can also indicate that they only want seats closer to the front, and can specify whether or not they want a bulkhead seat.
This is great for most people, but not for all
Objectively, this is a great change, so kudos to American for continuing to improve its technology. Admittedly American is only playing catch-up here with United, and is making up for its lost decade with little customer experience innovation.
This is of course objectively a positive change, since it helps travelers improve their seat assignments with ease. However, it also has to be acknowledged that this won’t be great for everyone. Those of us who are savvy and persistent could often get seats that open up specifically because we used other tools available to use, like ExpertFlyer.
It’s of course great to democratize this and make it straightforward for everyone, but I’m just saying that it’s a double edged sword. It’s no different than how it’s great when airlines make it easier to search award availability online, but it also means that there’s more competition for the same inventory.
One thing worth mentioning is that the “hack” to getting the best seats in economy on American is to snag the bulkhead seats that are blocked up until 24 hours before departure. If you’re fast enough, it’s a way to basically guarantee the best Main Cabin Extra seat on the plane.
With this new feature starting 24 hours out, I’m curious just how “real time” the seat monitoring is. I hope this doesn’t snag that magic aisle seat the second it opens up, or else my American economy travel is about to become a lot less pleasant. 😉
Bottom line
American Airlines has added a great new feature whereby AAdvantage members can have the airline automatically change their seat within 24 hours of departure, assuming a better seat opens up (within the specified parameters). This feature is exclusive to the app, and I’m sure it’s something that many people will value. Admittedly outside of this automation, it’ll make it tougher to snag the best seats at the last minute, as they open up.
What do you make of American’s new automatic seat assignment feature?
This is only for single-passenger reservations, as you note. So if traveling with a spouse/family... I have the same concern about the "hack". Will depend on the timing of when this is processed - just before or just after the 24 hour window. Likewise for Golds who only get MCE at check-in - if those 2 seats are taken right before the 24-hour period opens up, no MCE for Golds.
The bigger problem is that...
This is only for single-passenger reservations, as you note. So if traveling with a spouse/family... I have the same concern about the "hack". Will depend on the timing of when this is processed - just before or just after the 24 hour window. Likewise for Golds who only get MCE at check-in - if those 2 seats are taken right before the 24-hour period opens up, no MCE for Golds.
The bigger problem is that AA does not have enough MCE as it is. This extends to their new planes as well - the XLR has no MCE that's usable by families (it's all exit row) and the 787-9P is likewise paltry with only 18 MCE seats (6 of which are exit row). AA did announce they will roll out more MCE, but it's unclear on what timeline that will be accomplished.
Not sure why AA is sucking up to DJT, but an executive order for more MCE would be ideal.
Seems like a good update. Yeah, MCE is often better than not, unless it’s a middle, when you preferred the aisle or middle, even with less legroom. At least they’re trying.
Would like to understand how it prioritizes requests (eg similar to a waitlist) in the instance there are multiple pax waiting on a preferred seat assignment and one opens up ie 6 people have requested an aisle seat and one opens up; who gets it? What are the criteria for used for determining the priority order?
I wish they would invest in their website now too. It’s basically the same since 2014
@Lucky are you a slender fellow? Those fixed armrests with tray tables feel restricting. I avoid the bulkhead. Maybe I should also be avoiding all of the lounge food...
Those insidious mobile phones ought to be banned from all airplanes and schools .
alright grandpa it's time for your jello