Window or aisle? American Air app makes it easier to slide into your preferred seat

American Airlines just debuted a new feature on its app that makes it easier to snag your preferred seat (window, aisle, or even middle) — but there is no shortage of caveats.

The new feature allows flyers to select their seat characteristics after booking, so they don’t have to constantly check a cabin map. Should a flyer’s desired seat be unavailable at the time of booking but later open due to cancellations or others’ seat changes, the app will move the flyer into an eligible seat matching their preferences, free of charge.

Open your reservation in the app, scroll down to Trip options, then tap the Automatic Seat Change option and select your preference.

The feature's restrictions: 

• Flyers must be AAdvantage members for access

• Flyers must be on single-passenger reservations with an assigned seat

• Flyers will not be moved to available seats in different cabins

• Automatic seat changes stop 24 hours before departure

The Automatic Seat Change option is a boon for those very partial to a particular seat type. For those who put a lot of weight on which row they’re in, it’s not so great, as the app will move you around the cabin wherever your desired seat type becomes available (well, except to First or Business Class). You can at least ask it to stick to seats closer to the front or bulkhead seats.

American AI Airlines

The app feature is a product of American’s ADEPT initiative, which utilizes AI tools and is "designed to recruit and develop early-career technology talent."

"Rather than starting with a technology and searching for a use, the team started with a known point of friction and designed the capability around the outcome that mattered most: making travel easier for the customer," according to an American Airlines statement.