All the senior AA non-commuters had a fit over time of check-in… “what if I’m in flight on my premium 29 hr PVG 3 day and can’t check in right away…..”

cry me a river

Seniority for the back worked better. I felt that way when I was at the bottom of the list.

DAL is seniority, but once you've booked the JS, it's yours. I can't remember the timeline since I don't commute and rarely JS, but pilots going to work get to book the JS a few days before booking a JS home from work. In turn, pilots going home from work get to book a few days before anyone booking the JS for personal travel.

5 prior to work
3 prior from work
1 prior for personal

The Jumpseat is first come first served at AA. It’s yours once booked (8 days out). Commuting is a zero concern assuming you have mainline service. Time of check in for a seat in the back and it’s jungle rules at best.

Commuting is pretty stress free at AA. The commuter clause doesn’t require any backups or documentation. You could commute by horse and buggy or hot air balloon. All you have to do is call scheduling once you know you won’t be able to make sign in.