AA App Update Could Automatically Move You to a Better Seat and Lets Top Elites Preorder Snacks

Updated: September 24, 2026, 10:26am CDT

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American Airlines Is Working on 2 New App Features
Final Thoughts

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Finding a better seat before a flight can mean checking the seat map over and over, hoping an aisle or window opens up. American Airlines is working on an app feature that could do some of that checking for you. The airline is also adding a food preorder option for its top elite members flying in Main Cabin.

Here’s what we know so far.

American Airlines Is Working on 2 New App Features

Request an Automatic Seat Change

AAdvantage members traveling alone can now choose their preferred seat type.

Under Trip options in the American Airlines app, members can select Automatic seat change and choose an aisle, middle, or window seat. They can also request a seat closer to the front or in a bulkhead row. If a seat matching their preferences opens up, American Airlines can move them automatically.

AA solo seat preference — Screenshot: American Airlines app

The change would stay within your ticketed cabin and wouldn’t add a seat charge. Exit rows aren’t included. Requests are ordered first by AAdvantage status and then by when the traveler signed up.

There are a couple of details to keep in mind: the search stops after American moves you once, and it also stops if you change seats yourself. It ends 24 hours before departure, so you’ll still want to check the seat map as your flight gets closer.

That last point matters especially for AAdvantage Gold members. On eligible tickets, complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats become available to them within 24 hours of departure, just as the automatic seat search ends. The screenshots also don’t make it clear how the feature will handle a preference if you already have an extra-legroom seat.

Top Elites Can Preorder Their Complimentary Food

AAdvantage Executive Platinum and ConciergeKey members already receive a complimentary food menu item and alcoholic beverage when seated in Main Cabin, subject to availability. The new app option would let them select their snack item in advance, with the screenshot below showing a cutoff of 20 hours before departure.

AA EXP preselect foods — Screenshot: American Airlines app

For top-tier elites seated in Main Cabin, preordering would make their complimentary food benefit more dependable. American offers food on select flights over 1,100 miles, but quantities are limited, and some choices may sell out before the cart reaches their row.

Hot Tip:

If you’re a top-tier AA elite and your upgrade doesn’t clear, preorder your complimentary snack before the 20-hour cutoff so you have a better shot at getting the one you want.

Final Thoughts

I’ll happily let American keep an eye out for an aisle seat when I’m flying solo, though I’d still check the seat map myself during the final 24 hours. For top elites, preordering a complimentary snack means one less thing to leave to chance when an upgrade doesn’t clear.