American Airlines offers a range of seat selection options across its cabins, each with varying costs and conditions for complimentary selection. Whether you’re seeking extra legroom, an aisle seat, or just the peace of mind of selecting a seat, understanding the charges and policies can help you make the most of your booking.
Main Cabin and Basic Economy
Basic Economy:
Passengers in Basic Economy typically need to pay for seat selection. Fees vary depending on the route and seat chosen, generally starting around $9 to $20 USD per seat. For long-haul international flights with extra legroom, fees can exceed $160 USD. Aisle and window seats tend to be more expensive than middle seats. You can choose a specific seat at any time for a fee. AAdvantage members can choose complimentary seats based on their status. Otherwise, seats will be automatically assigned for free at check-in. We cannot guarantee that companions on the same ticket will be seated together.
Main Cabin:
Standard seat selection in the Main Cabin can also incur charges, particularly for preferred seats with better placement in the aircraft. Fees start from $9 USD, though standard seats further back may be free closer to departure. If you’re unable to choose seats when you book, check back closer to departure or a seat will be assigned during check-in. American Airlines makes every effort to ensure you get your chosen seat, but assignments are not guaranteed. The airline reserves the right to change seats for operational, safety, or security reasons. Passengers must check in at least 60 minutes before international flights and 45 minutes for domestic U.S. flights. Arriving at the gate 15 minutes before departure is required to avoid losing your seat. Children under 15 will be assigned a seat with at least one adult companion. You may be asked to move if you sit in a seat other than the one assigned.
Main Cabin Extra:
Main Cabin Extra offers extra legroom, early boarding with Preferred Group 5, and complimentary snacks and drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits on flights with full service. Seats start at $20 USD and are located at the front of the Main Cabin. Main Cabin Extra passengers can also enjoy free carry-on, access to complimentary entertainment, and Wi-Fi availability on select aircraft. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members, along with Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members from select partner airlines, get complimentary access with up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
Premium Economy
- Premium Economy: Passengers in Premium Economy often enjoy complimentary seat selection, focusing on enhanced comfort and better positioning on the plane.
Business and First Class
- Business and First Class: Seat selection in Business and First Class is included with the fare, ensuring premium comfort and priority seating without extra charges.
Corporate Experience
- Corporate Experience: The Corporate Experience is a suite of benefits available on all American-operated domestic and international flights, designed for customers travelling through a corporate contract. These benefits include:
- Priority Privileges: Expedited check-in, security screening, and boarding.
- Complimentary Preferred Seats: Free access to preferred seats for a more comfortable travel experience.
- Disruption Recovery: Enhanced support in case of delays or cancellations, ensuring rebooking and minimising travel disruptions.
When Seat Selection is Free
- AAdvantage Elite Status: Passengers with elite status in the AAdvantage loyalty program often receive free seat selection, including preferred seating and Main Cabin Extra, depending on their tier.
- Full-Fare Tickets: Fully flexible Main Cabin and higher-class tickets often include free seat selection.
- Close to Departure: Unsold standard seats may become available for free at check-in or within 24 hours of departure.
- Travelling with Minors: Families travelling with children under 15 are often assigned seats together without charge, though seat selection prior to check-in may still involve a fee.
Refunds for Seat Selection
Refunds for seat selection charges may be issued if:
- You pay to upgrade to First or Business class.
- You pay for a higher-priced seat on the same flight.
- You cancel your flight within 24 hours and booked at least 2 days before departure.
- Your flight is cancelled, and you can’t be rebooked with a comparable seat.
- Your flight is delayed causing a missed connection, and you can’t be rebooked with a comparable seat.
- You’re denied boarding on an oversold flight and can’t be rebooked with a comparable seat.
Factors Influencing Seat Selection Fees
Seat selection fees can vary significantly depending on factors such as:
- Flight Duration: Longer flights often incur higher fees for preferred seats.
- Seat Type: Aisle and window seats tend to be more expensive than middle seats.
- Cabin Class: Premium cabins often include a complimentary seat selection.
- Elite Status: Members of AAdvantage and partner programs often receive complimentary seat selection.
How to Choose Your Seat
Seat selection can be made during the booking process, through the American Airlines website or mobile app, or by managing your reservation after booking. Keep in mind that seat availability and pricing can fluctuate based on demand and proximity to departure.
Key Takeaways
- Basic Economy seat selection starts around $9 USD and can go higher for premium seats.
- Premium cabins often offer complimentary seat selection.
- Elite status and flexible fare types may provide free seat selection.
- Booking early increases your chance of selecting preferred seats at a lower cost.