American Airlines Seat Selection - Complete Travel Information

American Airlines Seat Selection

A comfortable seat is your true travel companion. Therefore, choosing the right seat is of utmost importance. With American Airlines seat selection, you get the flexibility to pick any available corner on the aircraft. American Airlines provides you with different comfortable seating options. Therefore, you can get them for free or for a fee, depending on your seat type, fare class, etc. 

So, it is important to know everything related to seat selection on AA before you finalize a seat. Therefore, the article below will guide you on everything you need to know to select the best seat for you on American Airlines flight reservations

What Seating Options Are Available on American Airlines?

Each passenger has unique requirements when it comes to picking a seat. Therefore, American Airlines provides different seating choices to its passengers. To learn about them, check out the information below:

Flagship First: Choose this seat for the most luxurious and personalized experience, especially for long journeys. It further has two categories such as Flagship First International and Flagship First transcontinental. With this seat selection option on American Airlines, you can enjoy the following features:

  • Private check-in 
  • Speedy security check 
  • Priority boarding
  • Lie flat seats 
  • Free inflight entertainment
  • Free wifi and power outlets along with USB ports. 
  • Get your bag first on arrival 
  • Access to premium Flagship Lounges
  • Exclusive dining experience and 
  • Other amenities

Flagship Business: Get an idealistic travel experience with the best amenities for long-distance flights. Further, it is divided into Flagship Business International and Hawaii and Flagship Business Transcontinental. It provides the following features on different flight routes.

  • Priority while boarding, check-in, security, or checking bags.
  • Lie flat seats 
  • Access to Flagship lounges
  • Freedom to access Arrivals lounges
  • Inflight entertainment 
  • Chef-inspired dining while on board. 
  • Complimentary wifi on selected aircraft
  • Amenities like Casper sleep set or amenity kit. 

Premium Economy: Premium Economy seats are an ideal option after First or Business class on American Airlines. It falls behind the First and Business Class, which is perfect to get a premium seat in your budget. Enjoy the following features with this seat:

  • Priority boarding 
  • Speedy check-in 
  • Privileges during security check 
  • Priority checked bag handling on arrival
  • Wide and extra legroom seat along with extendable foot and headrest.
  • Inflight entertainment
  • Chef-inspired food and drinks.
  • Power outlet and USB ports attached to each seat.
  • Free wifi
  • Sleep set etc.

Main Cabin Extra: Want to get some more of everything? Then, book American Airlines Main Cabin Extra seats. You can get these seats in Main Cabin, which comes with extra space and offers the following features:

  • Early Boarding
  • Wider space
  • Extra leg space
  • Free meals and beverages
  • 1 Complimentary carry-on
  • Free wifi and inflight entertainment 

Main Cabin: A perfect companion for a journey, Main Cabin offers the following features:

  • Free seat selection
  • Option to purchase preferred seat
  • 1 personal item and 1 bag for free
  • Purchase wifi on selected flight 
  • Complimentary inflight entertainment 
  • Free snacks and drinks

Basic Economy: You can use American Airlines seat selection option only on payment in Basic Economy. Therefore, use this option as soon as possible so as not to miss your favorite seat.

Note: On all the above options, you can take benefits of Aadvantage membership if you have one. 

How Do I Pick My Seat on American Airlines?

American Airlines allows you to select a seat during booking, after booking or at the time of check-in. Accordingly, the seat selection procedure can differ. Further, American Airlines allows you to pick a seat online or offline.

During Booking 

  • Visit American Airlines official website
  • Then, choose departure and arrival destination
  • Further, select the travel date and number of passengers.
  • Similarly, click on "Search Flights" button.
  • Then, pick a flight from the number of options.
  • Further, click on the "Add a seat" option from the menu.
  • A seat chart will appear. 
  • Tap on your desired seat and 
  • Finally, make payment, if any 
  • Later, get confirmation from the airline in an email. 

After Reservation

  • Visit American Airlines official website
  • Then, enter login details like PNR number and last name.
  • Go to "American Airlines Manage Booking" section. 
  • Further, choose a flight that requires seat selection.
  • Click on "Add Seat" option. 
  • A seating chart will appear on the screen.
  • Select a desired seat from the map, for example, Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Preferred, etc. 
  • Then, make the final payment, if applicable. 
  • Further, the airline will send you a notification with updated details. 

During Check-in 

Complete American Airlines seat selection during online check-in online or at the airport.

  • You just need to visit AA official website.
  • Go to the manage booking section
  • Pick add seat option
  • And select a desired seat on making the payment. 

Note: Please remember to choose your seat as early as possible. You may get limited options if you choose a seat close to the departure date.  You may also want to know about American Airlines Cancellation Policy, check this out.

How Much Does It Cost to Choose Your Seat on American Airlines?

American Airlines may or may not pay a seat selection cost depending on the type of seat you choose. For example, if you are holding a basic economy ticket, then you have to pay an American Airlines seat selection fee to pick a desired seat. The cost can differ with the type of seat you select. For example, American Airlines provides a Main Cabin Extra seat for a price starting from $20.

However, if you buy any other fare class or you are an Aadvantage member, then you can pick a seat for free. Further, American Airlines assigns a seat for free at check-in if you do not select it in advance. In that case, the airline does not guarantee that you will sit with your group members or not.

How to Avoid Paying for Seat Selection?

Passengers have a number of ways to avoid paying for American Airlines seat selection online, and those are the following:

AAdvantage or Elite status: American Airlines provides complimentary seat selection to Aadvantage or Elite status members. Therefore, you can join this program and get a seat for free on American Airlines. 

Upgrade to Better Ticket: Upgrading to a MainPlus fare can get you a preferred seat or Main Cabin Extra seats. However, upgrading may require you to pay a fee, but it will get you an additional bag, priority boarding, and free seat selection. 

Qualifying Credit Cards: American Airlines also provides free seat selection on some credit cards such as American Express The Platinum Card. Therefore, if you have this credit card, then avail the benefit.

Purchase Higher Fare Class: You may get a complimentary seat selection with a higher fare class. Therefore, if a free and comfortable seat is your concern, then choose from American Airlines First Class or Business Class. 

Are Seat Fees Refundable on American Airlines?

American Airlines issue you a refund for a seat only in the following situation:

  • When American Airlines revokes your flight.
  • Similarly, when you made the payment to switch to First or Business class
  • When you make a payment to switch to another seat on the same flight. However, it must include the lowest price seat or free seat. 

Conclusion

American Airlines has tremendous options when it comes to seat selection. Therefore, go through the complete guide on American Airlines seat selection above and find a perfect seat. You can easily pick the seat during reservation, after reservation, or during check-in. For this, either visit the American Airlines website or connect with its executive. 

Read Related: American Airlines Terminal at SFO- Detailed Guide

FAQs

Yes. American Airlines offers free seats when you have an AAdvantage membership or Elite Status. 

American Airlines assigns you a seat automatically when you do not select a seat in advance. 

Yes. If you are looking for a particular seat, then paying for a seat selection is definitely worth it.