American Airlines Seat Selection Policy: What You Need to Know

American Airlines Seat Selection

Choosing an appropriate seat is the first step when you look for a comfortable journey. Therefore, American Airlines make sure that you get a desired seat in no time. By understanding American Airlines seat selection process,  you can book your favourite seat with the airline.

American Airlines offers different seating options to its passengers. Therefore, you can choose any of them as your requirement demands. The airline may or may not charge a fee. It all depends on the timing of seat selection and seat type. However, if you are still looking for the process, below article is going to help you a lot.

Does American Airlines Assign Seats?

Yes. American Airlines does assign a seat if you do not select one in advance. The airline provides you a random seat at the time of check-in without taking any charges. However, the airline does not guarantee your favorite seat at this moment. Therefore, choose your seat in advance if it is really important for you.

How Does Seat Selection Policy Work on American Airlines?

American Airlines allows you to pick a seat during, after flight booking or at the airport during check-in. However, before selecting seat on American Airlines, every passenger needs to consider the below policies.

Choose a Main Cabin Extra seat for no cost while booking. However, whether you get a seat or not depends on availability. If you are an AAdvantage Gold and oneworld ruby member, get a complimentary main cabin extra seat for no charges. However, at least 24 hours should be there for flight departure.

Similarly, if you choose a preferred seat the airline will offer it but for an additional fee. However, you can get it complimentary in the following situations:

  • AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum and Gold Members.
  • AirPass ticket holder.
  • Oneworld Emerald Sapphire, Ruby members or companions.
  • Full fare passengers.
  • Active U.S military person.
  • AAdvantage AAnytime and Business Extra award ticket passengers.

Also, if you have purchased a Basic Economy ticket, the airline allows you seat selection only by paying a fee. You can skip this fee when you have an eligible Aadvantage status with the airline.  However, if you fail to select a seat in advance, the airline will itself assign a seat during check-in.

Note: Whether you will get your desired seat or not completely depends on the availability.

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 Do I Change My Seat on American Airlines App?

You can easily change seats on American Airlines. To do so, you have to follow the below steps:

  • First download American Airlines app on your device.
  • Then login to your account entering username and last name.
  • Further, go to “My Trips” section.
  • Similarly, select booking for which you need seat change.
  • Then, click on “ Change seat”
  • Next, American Airlines seat map will open,
  • Therefore,choose a place on the seat map.
  • Finally, click on submit button.
  • Later on, the airline will send an email with updated e ticket

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:

american-airlines-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:

american-airlines-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:

american-airlines-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:

american-airlines-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:

american-airlines-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:

american-airlines-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 Much is Seat Selection on American Airlines?

American Airlines seat selection fee depending on the fare type, seat type and flight route. Therefore, you do not have to pay American Airlines seat selection cost for its premium fares as it comes complimentary with it. However, if you have a basic economy ticket or require preferred seat, then airline can ask for a fee.

For example, you can select a standard seat for free except for basic economy. However preferred seats may cost you between free to $150. Similarly, if you choose a Main Cabin Extra seat, then airline starts charging a fee from $20.

You can skip the seat selection process if you want to save on fees. The airline will assign you a seat during check-in at absolutely no cost. However, if you are travelling with your family or have group travel tickets, then you may not get chance to sit together. Therefore, choose your seat in advance.

For more clarity go through the below table:

Cabin/Class Seat Selection Fee Details
Flagship First Free Get premium seats along with free seat selection.
Flagship Business Free Added comfort of Business class alongwith free seat selection.
Premium Economy Free Advanced facility compared to Main Cabin. Select a seat for free.
Main Cabin Extra $20 to $160. price can increase for international long haul flights. Additional leg space and amenities. Fees can differ with seat location and journey duration. No fee is chargeable for AAdvantage Elite members / Oneworld Elite.
Main Cabin

Standard seats: free

Preferred seats: fee depends on the seat location ($10 to $22)

Select standard seat for free and preferred seat for a fee.
Get your favourite corner with preferred seating. free for AAdvantage Elite members.
Basic Economy Fees apply for all seat selections Select seat only on payment. airline will assign seat at check-in if not selected. free for AAdvantage Elite members.

The above charges can change with factors like flight duration, seat location and requirement. Therefore, do not forget to check with American Airlines for latest updates

How do I Select Seats With AAdvantage Program Miles?

You can easily select a seat using Aadvantage program miles. If you still want to know, how it is possible, then go through the steps below:

Visit American Airlines website.

Then, login to your account using booking reference number and last name.

  • Go to “My Trips” section.
  • Check out the booking for which you need seat selection.
  • Then, click on “Seat selection” option.
  • Further, a seat map will open,
  • Choose your preferred seat or Main Cabin Extra seat and
  • Proceed further for payment.
  • On the payment page select AAdvantage miles for payment.
  • Complete the process and get the confirmation from American Airlines.

How to Choose Free Seat on American Airlines?

Do you want to pick your seat for free on American Airlines? You can do it in the following ways:

AAdvantage Status: American Airlines offers you complimentary seat selection when you have qualifying Aadvantage status.

Preferred Seats: Similarly, you can choose a preferred seat for free when you satisfy the following:

  • Aadvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, and Gold membership. 
  • AirPass ticket passenger.
  • Full-fare passengers.
  • Oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby member and its travel companion.
  • Active U.S military personnel.
  • AAdvantage AAnytime and Business Extra award ticket.

Main Cabin Extra:  Aadvantage Gold and oneworld Ruby members can avail free seat selection when 24 hours remain in flight departure.

Family Seating: American Airlines allows a family to sit together for free when they booked ticket under single reservation.

How to Get Preferred Seating  on American Airlines?

American Airlines provides you various ways to get preferred seating. Therefore, check out the information below if you want to learn about them:

Choose a seat during reservation

You can pick a preferred seat while making a reservation on American Airlines. However, you may or may not have to pay the charges depending on the fare type you bought. The airline exempt the fee on higher fare class. However, to choose a preferred seat with basic economy ticket, you have to pay a fee for sure.

Pick Seat After Booking

American Airlines also gives you chance to get a preferred seat after completing the booking. You only have to visit the “My Trips” section on American Airlines website or app and access the seat map. However, whether you will get this seat or not depends on availability.

Utilise Elite Status or Miles

To passengers with Elite Status or miles, American Airlines issues free preferred or extra leg space seats. For example if you have AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, then airline will offer you free seat selection in Main Cabin Extra. You can also avail it for upto eight companions.

Book Corporate Experience

You won’t believe that American Airlines corporate seat selection is absolutely free of cost. Therefore, you can get the preferred seat for free. You only have to enter your company Unique Identifier in the reservation.

Can You Sit Together on American Airlines?

Yes. You can sit together on American Airlines if you choose your seat in advance. In other cases, American Airlines tries its best to make you sit together with your group especially when you are travelling with family. However, it is completely a matter of luck if you can get American Airlines sit together benefits. 

Note: American Airlines make sure children under 15 sit with an adult. if it is not possible, the airline make him sit as close as possible.

Can I Change My Seat to First Class on American Airlines?

Yes. American Airlines allows you to change your seat to First Class except when you have booked ticket in Basic Economy. In that case, you will go for flight cancellation first and then purchase a premium economy ticket. Further, you can upgrade to first class. Therefore, choose from various ways for American Airlines seat upgrade from the following:

  • Use Miles: Frequent flyers can use their miles or reward points from credit cards to upgrade their seat on American Airlines. They can also use a combo of cash and miles to pay for the seat upgrade.
  • Through Avios: You can also use Avios points to upgrade your seat on American Airlines. The upgrade cost will be determined by deducting current cabin Avios from the previous one.
  • Aadvantage status: American Airlines offers complimentary upgrade to first class depending on the availability. However, you can avail it only when you have AAdvantage membership status.

Note: American Airlines can discontinue its upgrade service anytime. Also, the airline does not provide any guarantee if you will get the upgrade or not.

Do You Get to Pick Your Seat on American Airlines Basic Economy?

No. You can not pick your seat on American Airlines basic economy for free. Therefore, you have to pay American Airlines Basic Economy seat selection fee to get a desired seat. If you want to avoid the fee, skip the seat selection process and airline will itself assign you a seat for free. However, it may not be your favourite one.

Can I Get Refund If I Change My Seat on American Airlines?

No. Usually, you can not receive refund for amount paid for seat selection when you switch to a free seat or lower price seat. However, you can get the refund in the following circumstances:

  • American Airlines cancel the flight or cause you to miss a connecting flight.
  • Similarly, the airline denies you from boarding on an oversold flight.
  • American Airlines made the schedule change or route change.
  • Likewise, the airline shifted your seat for security reasons.

How to Get Refund on American Airlines?

American Airlines allows you to get a refund in the following ways.

Via American Airlines website:

  • Visit aa.com
  • Then, go to “MyTrips” section.
  • Login to your account using reservation number and last name.
  • further, choose the booking for which you need refund.
  • click on request refund option.
  • Lastly, tap on submit button.
  • Finally, get confirmation from the airline.

Via Customer Service: You can also request for refund over phone. Simply dial American Airlines reservations at 800-433-7300 and listen to the IVR process. Further, choose prompt to reach out to an agent. Request the person for refund that you will get if you qualify for it.

How Can I See My Seats on American Airlines?

You can see your seats by visiting American Airlines website or using its mobile app. To do this, you have to visit “My Trips” section by logging in to your account. Further, you have to access your bookings for which you want to select a seat. Similarly, click on “Select a seat” option. Then, a seat map will appear that shows the available seat option for you.

How to Upgrade Seat on American Airlines?

You can upgrade your seat by visiting American Airlines website or directly calling its representative. However, whether you will get it or not depends highly on availability. Further, if you are AAdvantage members, then you can use miles to upgrade a seat for free. Additionally, you can try your luck by asking gate agent or flight attendant if you can upgrade your seat or not.

Note: American Airlines can discontinue the upgrade anytime for security reasons. further, the fee you pay for seat upgrade is non refundable.

What is the Best Time to Choose Seat on American Airlines?

The best time to pick a seat on AA flight is as soon as possible. The sooner you decide to pick a seat, the better you get the seat availability. You can choose a standard seat for free. However, for preferred or Main Cabin Extra seats , you have to pay the charges until your fare type includes free seat selection.

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.

Conclusion

American Airlines gives you endless options paid or unpaid when it comes to seat selection. However, you have to check out detailed information on American Airlines seat selection above. Further, choose a perfect option from Main Cabin Extra or Preferred seat and add more comfort to your journey. American Airlines allows you to pick these seats during booking, after or during check-in. Still, if you have any query contact a representative at American Airlines.

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.