american airlines flight seat assignment

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The Guide to American Airlines Seat Selection

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Table of Contents

American Airlines seat selection fee

How to select seats on american airlines flights, how to avoid paying american airlines seat selection fees, when can you get a refund of american airlines seat selection fees, final thoughts on american airlines seat selection.

Seat selection is complimentary for many seats on most American Airlines tickets. However, as you can tell by that convoluted sentence, American Airlines seat selection isn't free for all passengers.

So, how much does American Airlines charge for seat selection? We’ll answer this question and explain how you can avoid paying an American Airlines seat selection fee.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

The cost to select a seat on American Airlines ranges from free — for standard seats except when booking basic economy fares — to over $160 for an extra-legroom seat on a long-haul international flight.

American Airlines seat selection fees vary based on several factors — including the flight length and what type of seat you want. Window and aisle seats are generally the most expensive. Meanwhile, a middle seat in between two preferred seats might not cost anything.

» Learn more: The complete guide to American Airlines partners

American Airlines travelers can select seats during the flight booking process or after purchasing a flight. If you're just starting a flight search, we recommend logging into your AAdvantage account first. That way your information will be auto-filled, and you'll be able to maximize any frequent flyer perks you have. More about that below.

Say you want to travel from Denver to London. First, you'll need to select your flights. During the search process, you can preview available seats by selecting the "seats" link in the search results. This can give you an idea of the number of available seats for your group. However, the price for selecting seats won't be listed yet.

After selecting your flights, reviewing fare upgrade options, entering your information and declining the option to buy miles, you'll finally be able to select seats for your flight.

If you booked a basic economy fare , you'll have to pay for a seat selection no matter the type of seat. In the example below, prices to choose a seat range from $9-$24 depending on which one you select.

If you booked a standard economy fare, you can select any standard seat for free. Or you can pay for preferred and extra-legroom seats — in this example, the cost ranges from $10-$22 for a preferred or Main Cabin Extra seat.

You won't be able to select seats on flights operated by partner airlines — even if the flight has an American Airlines flight number. Instead, you'll have to complete the booking to get the partner confirmation number (also referred to as a PNR or record locator). Then, you can contact that airline for seat assignment.

If you booked an American Airlines flight through another airline, you’ll need your American Airlines confirmation number. Once you have this, head to the American Airlines homepage and click the "manage trips/check-in" tab.

Enter your last name and the confirmation number to find your trip. Then, you'll see your seat selection options.

The most reliable way to avoid paying a seat selection fee is to have elite status through American Airlines or through an eligible partner airline, such as Alaska Airlines or British Airways . Additionally, you can redeem AAdvantage miles to pay seat selection fees.

Preferred Seating

All tiers of AAdvantage elite status get complimentary access to preferred seating — standard-legroom seating in preferred areas of the cabin — from the time of booking. Similarly, elite members of oneworld Alliance partner airlines get complimentary access to preferred seating on American Airlines, even at the lowest Ruby tier.

Main Cabin Extra

In addition to extra legroom, Main Cabin Extra seats also grant travelers early boarding and complimentary snacks and drinks — including beer, wine and spirits.

AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elites get complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra seats from the time of booking. Gold elites can select Main Cabin Extra seats free of charge within 24 hours of departure.

Similarly, Alaska MVP Gold, Gold 75k and Gold 100k elite members can select Main Cabin Extra seats from the time of booking. Alaska MVP members must wait until 24 hours before departure to select Main Cabin Extra seats for free. However, basic economy fares aren't eligible for this benefit.

» Learn more: The guide to American Airlines elite status

Using AAdvantage miles

If you can't use elite status to avoid American Airlines seat selection fees, you may be able to redeem AAdvantage miles to pay for them. Like the cash cost, the mileage cost depends on factors such as the length of the flight and the location of the seat in the cabin.

The redemption rate for seat selection fees is typically about 1 cent per mile. That's not a great rate. NerdWallet values American Airlines miles at 1.6 cents each. Still, this could be an appealing redemption option if your mileage balance is too low to redeem miles for flights.

You'll need to have enough AAdvantage miles in your account to cover the entire cost of the seat selection fees. Otherwise, you'll either need to select a seat that costs fewer miles or buy more miles. Travelers don't have the ability to buy a single seat with a combination of miles and cash.

» Learn more: Easiest ways redeem American Airlines miles

Upgrading to a Main Plus ticket

Travelers who pay for a Main Plus ticket get complimentary access to preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats. This option isn't free. However, the extra cost may be worth it to get an extra checked bag, preferred boarding and complimentary seat selection.

American Airlines seat selection fees are generally nonrefundable. However, you can get a refund of your seat selection fees in a few specific situations.

For example, American Airlines will refund your seat selection fees if you opt to upgrade to business or first class, pay more for another seat on the same flight, cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking (if you booked at least two days before departure) or cancel your flight and purchase seats on a rebooked flight.

You'll also get a refund when American Airlines cancels your flight — or if American delays your flight long enough to miss a connecting flight on which you purchased seats — and doesn't provide a comparable seat on the new flight.

American Airlines seats can generally be selected during booking or after booking your flight. However, you'll need to avoid basic economy fares to get free seat selection. And you'll only get free preferred or extra-legroom seat selection if you have elite status or use miles to pay the fee.

If you’re having trouble making your American Airlines seat selection, check to see if your flight is operated by a partner airline. If so, you'll need to retrieve the confirmation code for that airline and contact the airline to choose a seat.

(Top photo courtesy of American Airlines)

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American Airlines: Does It Have Assigned Seating and Seat Selection Options?

Yes, American Airlines provides assigned seating. You can select your seat when booking your flight. If you miss this option, check back as your flight departure date nears. Seats may be assigned during the check-in process. Some seats are reserved until departure to accommodate passenger needs. Confirm your seat during booking.

Additionally, American Airlines allows for seat selection updates after the initial booking. This flexibility enables passengers to change their seats up to the time of check-in. However, not all seats may be available for free selection. Some seats, especially those with extra legroom or in premium sections, may require a fee.

Frequent flyers and those with elite status may have additional privileges regarding seat selection. American Airlines prioritizes customer comfort and satisfaction through its seating policies.

Understanding these seating options enhances the travel experience. Passengers can better organize their seating arrangements according to their needs. In the next section, we will explore the various seat categories on American Airlines and their features. This information will help travelers make informed choices when selecting their seats.

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Does American Airlines Have Assigned Seating?

Yes, American Airlines does offer assigned seating. Passengers can select their seats at the time of booking or during check-in.

Assigned seating allows travelers to choose specific seats on the plane. This feature helps ensure that passengers have the preferred seating arrangement, whether they want to sit together with family or friends or prefer a window or aisle seat. Furthermore, some travel classes may offer additional benefits such as more legroom or better positioning on the aircraft. This system adds convenience and enhances the travel experience by reducing uncertainty regarding seating.

How Does Assigned Seating Operate on American Airlines Flights?

Assigned seating on American Airlines flights allows passengers to select their seats in advance. When booking a flight, customers can choose their seats from the available options on the airline’s seating chart. This process occurs during the booking phase, either online or through an agent. American Airlines typically assigns seats at the time of ticket purchase.

Travelers can change their seat assignments later, subject to availability, either through the airline’s website or app. For those who join the flight after check-in has begun, the system automatically assigns a seat. Passengers can select specific seat types, such as window, aisle, or middle, and may also choose seats with extra legroom for an added fee.

The airline uses a seat map to manage available seats. This map allows customers to see which seats are empty and make informed choices. Assigned seating helps ensure a smoother boarding process and enhances passenger comfort during the flight.

What Are the Available Seat Selection Options on American Airlines?

American Airlines offers multiple seat selection options to accommodate the preferences of its passengers.

• Standard Economy Seats
• Preferred Seats
• Main Cabin Extra Seats
• Business Class Seats
• First Class Seats
• Basic Economy Seats

While each option has its unique advantages, opinions differ on which is more valuable based on individual needs. Some passengers prefer the extra legroom of Main Cabin Extra, while others seek budget-friendly Basic Economy.

Standard Economy Seats : Standard Economy Seats are the most common seating option. They provide the basic functionality for passengers traveling at the lowest fare tiers. These seats offer adequate comfort for budget-conscious travelers but typically do not include extra legroom or additional amenities.

Preferred Seats : Preferred Seats allow passengers to enjoy better positioning in the cabin. These seats are usually located closer to the front of the plane and may offer more convenience when boarding or deboarding. They are available for purchase by all passengers but may be free for elite status members.

Main Cabin Extra Seats : Main Cabin Extra Seats provide more legroom and are situated in desirable locations on the aircraft. These seats allow passengers to stretch out during their flight. As part of a premium experience, they typically come with additional benefits such as priority boarding.

Business Class Seats : Business Class Seats offer enhanced comfort and amenities. Passengers can expect larger seats, more legroom, and superior service. This option is suitable for travelers seeking a more luxurious flying experience, often including meal service and premium beverages.

First Class Seats : First Class Seats are the most premium option. They provide the highest level of comfort and service. Passengers enjoy wider seats, additional privacy, and gourmet meals. This option is ideal for travelers willing to pay a premium for a luxurious experience.

Basic Economy Seats : Basic Economy Seats are the most budget-friendly option. This fare type comes with restrictions, such as no seat selection prior to check-in and limitations on carry-on luggage. Although cheaper, travelers trading off comfort and flexibility may find this option less appealing.

Overall, choosing a seat on American Airlines depends on individual preferences. Factors like budget, comfort, and flight duration may sway a passenger’s decision. Analyzing options thoroughly ensures travelers select the best fit for their needs.

Are Seat Selection Options Different for Basic Economy Compared to Other Fare Classes?

Yes, seat selection options differ for Basic Economy compared to other fare classes. Basic Economy passengers often face stricter limitations in choosing their seats, while those in higher fare classes enjoy more flexibility and options.

Basic Economy typically offers limited or no seat selection at the time of booking. Passengers may receive a seat assigned at check-in, which can result in unwanted seat placements. In contrast, higher fare classes, such as Main Cabin or Premium Economy, usually allow travelers to choose their preferred seats during the booking process without extra fees. Additionally, if a passenger needs to change their seat, options are more accessible in other fare classes.

One positive aspect of the Basic Economy fare is its lower price point, which can be attractive for budget-conscious travelers. According to a study by the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) in 2023, Basic Economy fares are often 30% lower than Main Cabin fares. This option lets travelers save money, especially for short trips where seat selection may not be as crucial.

However, there are several drawbacks to Basic Economy. Passengers face restrictions, such as no ability to change flights and potential fees for carry-on luggage. Research by the International Air Transport Association (IATA, 2022) indicates that passengers often express dissatisfaction with their seat assignments and lack of amenities compared to those in higher classes. For some travelers, the inability to choose a seat may lead to uncomfortable flights, particularly on longer journeys.

When considering which fare class to choose, travelers should evaluate their priorities. For those who prioritize comfort and seat selection, opting for Main Cabin or a higher class may be wise despite the higher costs. Conversely, if saving money is the primary goal and the individual is flexible with seating, Basic Economy can be a suitable choice. Ultimately, aligning fare class with travel needs ensures a better experience.

How Can Passengers Select Their Seats on American Airlines Flights?

Passengers can select their seats on American Airlines flights through multiple methods during the booking process and afterwards via their website or mobile app. Here are the key points and explanations for each method:

During Booking : Passengers can choose their seats when they purchase their tickets online or through the app. – The American Airlines website and app display a seat map for the flight. – Passengers can see available seats, their locations, and their associated prices. – Selecting a preferred seat may incur an additional fee, especially for premium seats.

Post-Booking Seat Selection : Passengers can modify their seat selections after booking. – Log into the American Airlines account and access the “Manage Trips” section. – Select the desired flight and view the current seat assignment. – Passengers can change their seats if new options are available, within the same flight.

Airport Check-In : Passengers have an opportunity to select or change their seats during check-in. – Online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight’s departure. – Passengers can access the seat map again and make changes based on available options.

Seat Upgrades : Passengers can also upgrade their seats for additional comfort. – American Airlines sometimes offers upgrades at the time of check-in or before the flight. – Options may include premium economy or business class seats, subject to availability.

Preferred Seating Options : American Airlines provides several choices for preferred seating. – Passengers can choose extra legroom seats in the Main Cabin Extra section for more comfort. – Special assistance seating is available for those with specific needs.

Passengers should note that the availability of seat selection may vary depending on ticket type and flight conditions. Always review the airline’s policies for the most accurate and updated information.

Is There a Cost for Advanced Seat Selection on American Airlines?

Yes, there is a cost for advanced seat selection on American Airlines. Passengers can choose to pay for specific seat assignments to secure preferred seating, such as those with extra legroom or located in preferred rows.

American Airlines offers a tiered system for seat selection, which includes basic economy options and paid options for advanced seating. Basic economy passengers often do not have the choice to select their seats at the time of booking. Instead, they automatically receive assigned seats during check-in. In contrast, passengers in standard economy and higher fare classes may select their seats for free or pay fees for premium seats. Fees usually range from $10 to $70, depending on the distance flight and type of seat.

One positive aspect of advanced seat selection is the increased comfort it can provide. Passengers can choose seats that offer extra legroom, proximity to the front for quicker boarding, or positions they may feel more comfortable in, such as aisle or window seats. According to American Airlines’ website, selecting a preferred seat can enhance the overall travel experience by ensuring that passengers are seated where they feel most at ease.

On the negative side, the cost of seat selection may add to the total price of the airfare, potentially making travel more expensive. Some passengers may feel pressured to pay extra fees to guarantee their preferred seating. Experts in consumer behavior highlight that these additional costs can lead to dissatisfaction, especially for budget travelers. Studies have shown that inflated airline fees can discourage passengers from flying or lead to negative perceptions about the airline’s pricing practices (Credit Suisse, 2018).

For travelers, it is advisable to assess their seating needs in advance. Budget-conscious passengers can consider booking early to secure free seat assignments. Alternatively, if extra comfort or specific seating preferences are vital for their journey, investing in early seat selection may be worth the additional cost. Checking American Airlines’ fare classes and policy details can help passengers make informed decisions tailored to their travel plans.

What Should Travelers Know About Seat Changes and Upgrades on American Airlines?

Travelers should know that American Airlines offers various options for seat changes and upgrades, which can enhance the flying experience. These options include the ability to select seats in advance, upgrade to higher classes, and manage seat changes before and during the flight.

• Seat Selection Options
• Upgrades to Higher Classes
• Change Fees and Policies
• Special Seating Needs
• Frequent Flyer Benefits

To understand the details of these aspects, it’s important to explore each topic comprehensively.

Seat Selection Options : Travelers can select their seats during the booking process or later via the American Airlines website or app. American Airlines offers a range of seating options, from basic economy seats to premium seats in Business and First Class. According to American Airlines’ official guidelines, seat selection is generally available for all fare types, but certain basic economy tickets may not allow for seat selection until check-in.

Upgrades to Higher Classes : Travelers can request upgrades to Business or First Class, which can often be done using frequent flyer miles or for a fee. Upgrades are typically subject to availability and may require travelers to check back regularly as seats may become available closer to flight dates. According to a report from AirlineRatings.com in 2022, upgrades are most commonly offered to elite members of their loyalty program.

Change Fees and Policies : American Airlines has specific policies regarding seat changes. General passengers can change their seats without incurring fees if done within the guidelines of their ticket type. However, changes made close to departure may involve additional fees. The airline has streamlined its policies post-COVID-19, allowing for more flexibility in seat arrangements.

Special Seating Needs : American Airlines provides accommodations for travelers with special seating needs, including passengers requiring extra legroom or those with disabilities. Since the Air Carrier Access Act mandates that airlines accommodate such requests, travelers should contact customer service prior to their flight for assistance.

Frequent Flyer Benefits : Members of the American Airlines AAdvantage program may enjoy exclusive benefits like complimentary seat upgrades. The perks increase with loyalty status. Higher-tier members gain priority for upgrades, allowing them wider access to premium seating. According to the AAdvantage Program Overview, members can accrue miles for both flights and eligible purchases.

In conclusion, understanding seat changes and upgrades with American Airlines allows travelers to maximize comfort and convenience during their flights.

How Does American Airlines Manage Situations When Assigned Seating Is Not Available?

American Airlines manages situations when assigned seating is not available by following a structured process. First, the airline informs passengers about the lack of available seats at check-in or boarding. This communication allows passengers to adjust their plans or seek alternative options.

Next, American Airlines offers to rebook affected passengers on the next available flight. This step ensures that passengers can reach their destinations as soon as possible. The airline also provides options for transferring to another flight with available seating.

In addition, American Airlines may prioritize accommodating families or individuals with special needs. This focus on customer service helps to ensure a smoother experience for those affected.

Lastly, if passengers are unable to be accommodated, American Airlines offers refunds or travel vouchers as compensation. This approach maintains customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Through these steps, American Airlines effectively manages situations when assigned seating is not available, ensuring a systematic and customer-focused response.

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A beginner’s guide to American Airlines economy seats

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Main Cabin Extra, Preferred, elite-only seats ... oh my! When you go to select an economy seat on American Airlines, it might seem that every seat has some sort of designation. And if you're selecting a seat close to the departure date, you might be left with having to pay to select a decent seat or choosing a middle seat for a long international flight.

If that's your experience, you're not alone. On several American Airlines aircraft, over 50% of economy seats are designated as Main Cabin Extra or Preferred seats — which require payment to select if you don't have elite status.

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That can leave travelers with atrocious-looking seat maps like this one on AA's Airbus A330-300 from Charlotte (CLT) to London Heathrow (LHR):

Believe it or not, it gets worse. If you don't have elite status on American Airlines, the airline actually hides some available seats from you as these seats are reserved only for elite members.

Welcome to the crazy world of American Airlines seating.

We'll go through the four main categories of economy seating on American Airlines. Depending on your level of elite status and when you're choosing your seats, it could cost you over $100 to choose — if you're able to choose it at all. Even more confusing, some seats are in two different categories at the same time.

Note: We are focusing on American Airlines' economy seats in this piece. If you're looking for a guide about which first class, business class or premium economy seats you should book, check out TPG's American Airlines premium seats ranked from best to worst .

A 10-hour flight is a lot more snoozable in first class – see how many points away you are from a cozy, 30,000 foot slumber with the free TPG App !

Main Cabin Extra seats

What is Main Cabin Extra?

Main Cabin Extra (MCE) is what American Airlines calls its extra-legroom economy seats. Many of American Airlines' aircraft have a section of MCE seats at the front of the economy cabin while others — such as former US Airways aircraft and regional jets — may only classify bulkhead and exit row seats as MCE.

For example, the former US Airways A330-300 aircraft only have two rows of Main Cabin Extra: the bulkhead rows of row 8 and row 25. Note, Main Cabin Extra seats are shown in orange on American Airlines' website:

What are the perks of Main Cabin Extra?

Don't confuse American Airlines' Main Cabin Extra seats for AA's Premium Economy , which features a larger seat and better catering as well as more legroom than economy.

Instead, Main Cabin Extra is the same seat that you'll find in standard economy but with more legroom. Main Cabin Extra seats have between 33 and 43.5 inches of pitch — depending on the aircraft type — versus the 30 to 33 inches you'll find in standard economy seats.

For example, the front row of economy on the American Airlines A321neo is designated as Main Cabin Extra and has 40 inches of pitch. While this is a solid seat — you can even store a carry-on bag under the first-class seat in front of you — the stationary armrests make these seats a bit more narrow than the other economy seats.

In mid-2018, American Airlines added "complimentary beer, wine and spirits" and "enhanced overhead bin access" as perks of Main Cabin Extra. While that "enhanced" access merely consists of just a placard in the overhead bin, Main Cabin Extra passengers board in Group 5. That's before any other economy passengers, so you should have first dibs on the overhead bins. Note that certain American Airlines card holders also receive priority or preferred boarding — for example, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® card holders receive Group 4 boarding, while those with the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® board in Group 5.

The information for the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Choosing the best credit card for American Airlines flyers

What is the cost of Main Cabin Extra?

The cost for Main Cabin Extra is going to depend on the route, the aircraft type, whether the seat is a window/aisle or middle seat and the elite status level of the passenger. For non-elite members flying on long-haul flights, there can be a significant cost to choosing MCE seats. However, the price doesn't necessarily scale with the length of the flight.

For example, from London Heathrow to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) on AA's Boeing 777-200, bulkhead seats cost $118, aisle/window seats cost $113 and middle seats cost $102:

While on American Airlines' longest flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Dallas/Fort Worth on AA's Boeing 777-300ER, MCE seats range from $107 to $112:

On AA's third-shortest by length — and shortest by duration — flight from Charlotte to Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP) on AA's CRJ-700, Main Cabin Extra costs $27:

While this cost may seem excessive for just some extra legroom, you have to remember that the extra space from these seats adds up. On some planes, AA could fit more rows of seats into the same plane if all of the seats had the standard pitch. This means more tickets could potentially be sold. So, AA charges more to make up for this lost potential revenue.

Who can select a Main Cabin Extra seat for free?

These MCE seats aren't costly for everyone. MCE seats are complimentary for American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum elite members as well as Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elites. Each of these elites can also select MCE seats for free for up to eight traveling companions on the same reservation. However, you must purchase a Main Cabin ticket — and not a Basic Economy ticket — to get this benefit.

Related: How to survive basic economy on American Airlines

AAdvantage Gold and Oneworld Ruby elite members get complimentary access to MCE seats at 24 hours to departure. In the past, AA Gold elites received a 50% discount on purchasing MCE seats before check-in, but this discount was eliminated in September 2018.

So, if you have status, make sure to log into your AAdvantage account or list your Oneworld account with elite status when purchasing flights.

Preferred seats

What are American Airlines Preferred seats?

The next category of seats are "Preferred" seats — indicated by green on AA seat maps. These seats have no more legroom than standard economy seats (30 to 33 inches of pitch) but are simply located in "preferred" areas of the plane. This could mean seats closer to the front, rows with only two seats or sometimes just random window and aisle seats, as you can see on AA's Boeing 777-300ER:

Beware if you see exit row seats labeled as Preferred seats rather than Main Cabin Extra. For example on AA's Boeing 767, the exit row seats marked as Preferred don't recline — so AA sells them as Preferred seats rather than MCE seats.

What are the perks of Preferred seats?

Besides their "preferred" location in the cabin, there are no perks that come with American Airlines Preferred seats.

What is the cost of Preferred seats?

As with Main Cabin Extra seats, the cost of Preferred seats is going to vary based on the route, the aircraft type, whether the seat is an aisle/window or middle seat and the traveler's elite status. Some examples of the cost of Preferred seats found in the screenshots above are:

• London to Dallas on AA's 777-200: $86 for window/aisle seats or $79 for middle seats
• Hong Kong to Dallas on AA's 777-300ER: $79 for window/aisle seats or $72 for middle seats
• Charlotte to Greenville on AA's CRJ-700: $15 for Preferred seats

Who can select a Preferred seat for free?

Preferred seats are free for AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elite members and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation. Also, corporate travelers can select a Preferred seat for free if their company has a contract with American Airlines.

Related: What is American Airlines elite status worth ?

Unfortunately, the only way you're going to get a Preferred seat for free as a general flyer is if you don't have a seat assignment and there are no Standard seats available. AA's system will then assign you a Preferred seat.

Elite-only seats

What are elite-only seats?

AA sets aside several seats on each aircraft solely for AA elite members. Those with AA elite status will see an asterisk at the top of these seats. If you don't have elite status, these empty seats won't show on the seat map as available:

Main Cabin Extra, Preferred seats and even standard seats can be set aside for elites only. For example, further back on the seat map for the same flight above, you'll see that seat 33B is a standard seat that's randomly blocked for elite members only:

The difference between seat maps can be drastic. In my opinion, there's no justification for AA holding so many seats for elite members, except to encourage novice flyers to pay for an MCE or Preferred seat.

The good news is these seats are freed up for all flyers at check-in. So, if you're looking to move to a better seat, you're going to want to set an alarm for 24 hours before your flight to check-in.

Standard economy seats

What are standard seats on American Airlines?

Standard seats are simply those that aren't labeled as MCE seats or Preferred seats. These are usually located in the middle to back of the plane — unless there's a row with a missing seat, as that row is probably marked Preferred. If you don't have elite status, you're likely going to end up with a standard seat unless you're paying extra.

How to choose the best seat

Now that you know a Main Cabin Extra seat from a Preferred seat, you may be wondering how to figure out which seat you should pick. To help you with this choice, TPG has detailed tours of three American Airlines aircraft complete with empty cabin photos and seat recommendations:

• A tour of American Airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• A tour of American Airlines' New 777-200 retrofit
• A tour of American Airlines' retrofit 767-300

For AA's other aircraft types, we recommend using SeatGuru . By entering your AA flight number, SeatGuru will pull up the seat map for your flight and show which seats are recommended. Just note that SeatGuru is still catching up with American Airlines' rapidly-changing fleet. But, it's still a good free starting point to figure out the best available seat.

It's also worth checking back often as the flight nears departure. For domestic flights, upgrades will clear for elite members starting around four days before departure up to the day of departure. So, checking back may score you a better seat.

Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on American Airlines

To save time manually checking for better seats, you can use ExpertFlyer —which is owned by TPG's parent company Red Ventures — to set up seat alerts and get a notification when a window, aisle or a particular seat opens up. Note that free accounts are limited to just one active alert at a time. Additional seat alerts cost $0.99 each or you can pay for a Pro plan to get more seat alerts and tons of additional features.

• Seat Selection

How do I Select Seat on American Airlines?

Traveling is a hectic job, but perfect and comfortable seating may make the journey enjoyable. When flying in business or economy class, selecting the perfect seat is always necessary. American Airlines offers various seating options with different classes, along with various food and amenities as preferred by its passengers. Seats with extra legroom, extraordinary entertainment, and premium catering, along with prime locations, are the variants of seats of American Airlines. The Airlines ensure a comfortable journey for all travelers with the flexibility to select their seats. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different methods to know how do I select a seat on American Airlines.

What are the seat options on American Airlines?

• Standard Seats mean the basic seats without additional amenities or extra legroom.
• Preferred Seats are those seats located in the aisle or window seats near the front of the cabin and these seats come with a fee.
• Main Cabin Extra seats come with additional legroom along with other services and free access for elite members.
• Premium Economy seats come with wider seats, extra legroom, and additional recline on selected aircraft.
• Business Class/First Class seats are featured with lie-flat seats, personalized service, along with exclusive amenities.

Methods to select a seat on American Airlines?

A Perfect seat is very important for a comfortable flight travel as comfortable seats may omit the travel exhaustiveness. Airlines look after the needs of travellers and provide various options for choosing their seats. They can simply select their preferred seats at the time of booking. The option of seat selection is available after entering the passenger’s details on the ticket booking window. American Airlines offers other methods to select customers who failed to book their seats at the time of booking. Let’s go forward to know the other methods of seat selection.

Method 1: Online Seat Selection:

• Open your web search browser and type the web address on the search bar.
• Then, the browser will take you to the Airline’s official site.
• On the site, log in with your username and password.
• After that, search for the “My Trips” option.
• Then, enter your booking reference number along with the Passenger’s last name and enter to access the booking.
• Then, review the booking and click on the option ‘Choose a Seat’.
• Then, follow on-screen instructions and open the seat map.
• Then choose your preferred seats and pay for the same, if applicable.

Method 2: Seat Selection at the time of check-in:

Web check-in is also available. The passengers can go for online check-in and the window open 48 hours before the departure time. If you are a passenger, you should go for American Airlines Seat Selection from the available seats shown during check-in process. In this regard, the passenger support officers are ready to help the domestic and overseas passengers.

Method 3: Seat selection at the Airport:

The flyers also get the opportunity to select their seat at the Airport Kiosk. If any passengers miss to select their seat before reaching at Airport check-in counter, then, they can select the same at the counter. However, it must be remembered that getting a preferred seat must depend on the availability of seats.

American Airline’s seat selection fees:

Airlines provide a complimentary seat while booking a seat. But passengers must pay a seat for selecting a seat beyond their reservation. The cost of a seat may vary from seat to seat and depending upon certain factors like seat type, route, fare class, and passenger’s elite status, etc. Generally, the Aisle and  American Airlines Seat Selection  are more expansive rather than the middle seats. Passengers need to pay for legroom on an average of $50 to $160 for domestic and international flights. However, passengers can get free seats with Elite Plus and can use the miles point for seat selection.

American Airlines seats are complimentary along with booking and they can generally be selected during booking or after booking your flight. Hopefully, passengers can select their preferred seat by following the above steps and making their journey comfortable. If any passengers face trouble while selecting their loved seats, he/she can talk to the officials through the Airline’s support member. The support member will do their best to select your seat.

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