# American auto-assigns AAdvantage seats from 24 hours before departure

_Sep 28 19:13_

Tags: American Airlines, policy change, airline, service policy change

Type: New route

## Summary

The American Airlines app now watches for a matching same-cabin seat and moves AAdvantage members automatically, starting 24 hours before departure. Members set preferred traits after booking. Preferred traits cover an aisle or window and a bulkhead or a seat closer to the front.

When a matching eligible seat opens, the app changes the assignment and notifies the customer. Seat preferences can be stored at booking, but automatic monitoring does not begin right away. The feature is app-only and limited to AAdvantage members traveling on a single-passenger reservation that already has an assigned seat. Moves stay in the same cabin and carry no extra seat fees. Cabin upgrades are not part of the tool.

American is catching up to a similar United capability. Members can stop refreshing seat maps for same-cabin improvements, but the automation may crowd out last-minute hunting for preferred and bulkhead seats. Set preferred seat traits in the American Airlines app after booking if automatic same-cabin moves are wanted.

## Key facts

- **Numbers**:
  - 24 hours: how far before departure automatic seat monitoring is available
- **Links**:
  - Announcement: [American Airlines newsroom announcement](https://news.aa.com/news/news-details/2026/New-American-Airlines-app-feature-monitors-seat-availability-based-on-customers-preferences-MKG-OTH-09/default.aspx)
- **Takeaway**: Set aisle, window, bulkhead and forward-cabin preferences in the American Airlines app after booking if you want automatic same-cabin seat moves.

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-airlines-app-automatically-move-better-seat) — Cool: American Airlines App Can Now Automatically Move You To A Better Seat

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