Online check in unavailable

Vegas tomorrow! However got a text to say online check in is available but when I try it says it's unavailable for this flight and to check in at the airport. I tweeted, then called and they don't know why. It's no big deal but I don't want to lose the PE seats I reserved ages ago, 18/19a and c as recommended on here. My q is, will they give these away if I don't check in til tomorrow am? Surely not.....

You should be fine.

It could be for any number of reasons - an ESTA/visa issue, travelling with infants for instance but the most common is a random ID/security check - the US authorities require a certain quota of passengers to undergo additional screening so you may have been selected.

Be sure to arrive nice and early though, as if the cabin is oversold the last people to check in risk being bumped.

Brilliant, thanks for your help! Planning an early start so this should ensure the wife is ready when she needs to be!!

[mitchja]

If you get the extra screening checks - that shouldn't stop you checking in online, it just doesn't let you obtain / print your boarding pass.

The airport boarding pass will have SSSS printed on it.

I have never lost allocated seats when not using OLCI, I am sure all will be fine.