[extex]

I really don't like flying AA because they have lost all interest in the customer - its all about the money now. Regardless, I am occasionally forced to fly AA since they are the only non-stop airline between my home in San Diego, to family in Dallas, TX. Sometimes I just don't have time for lay-overs, which always add at least 2 hours to the flight time. AA must know this since the ticket prices are stupid.

For Christmas, knowing time would be short, I booked my flight a month in advance. Price wasn't TOO bad, but the AA website wouldn't let me reserve a seat. I've checked back several times since and still can't choose my seat, so I contacted customer service (via email) and received the following reply:

"American Airlines withholds a percentage of seats until the day of departure.This allows our airport personnel to accommodate passenger needs on the day of departure."

Did they hold EVERY seat on the plane? Are they suggesting that every seat was booked 30 days in advance? Or, do I not fly enough to warrant a choice of seats? I suggest the latter, and won't bother flying AA again. A couple of additional hours in Houston won't be too bad.[/font]