American Airlines Seat Selection Policy and Fee Info

Flying with comfort is every airline's motto. But American Airlines follows it seriously. That is why American airlines' seat selection policy lets their passengers decide the seat they prefer for their flight. The airline has different seat options that a passenger can choose from, such as Standard Economy Seats, Main Cabin, Preferred Seats, Premium Economy, and First & Business Class. Travelers are free to select the convenient seating place on American Airlines.

In this guide, we will learn about the various aspects of American Airlines seat selection policy, how to select a seat, How much does it cost to pick seats on American Airlines?

How does American Airlines Seat Selection Work?

Passengers can select a seat while booking a flight or after the reservation. For example, a passenger wants to fly from Las Vegas to Paris. In this case, a flier will first select your flights. After that,  the passenger can see the available seats by clicking on the seats link. This way, the traveler will get an idea of available seats but not the price.

Once the passenger chooses the flight, reviews the fare upgrade options, enters the information, and declines the miles option, he selects the seats. The passenger will pay for seat selection regardless of the seat type for the basic economy seat. On the other hand, a flier can select any standard chair for free for a standard economy fare. However, a traveler can pay for preferred seats and extra legroom. 

How do I pick my seat on American Airlines?

American Airlines permits passengers to pick their seats during booking the flight or after reservation. A traveler goes through a particular process while choosing a comfortable seating option. There are two methods of selecting a seat on American Airlines. 

Here are the steps for the two methods that you can choose at your convenience:

Method 1: Through Official Website

• Access the American Airlines official website.
• Go to the My Trips section.
• Fill all necessary details, such as travel destination, dates, number of passengers, etc.
• Redeem your miles point if you have any.
• Tap on the Search section to get the list of flights.
• Pick the flight that suits your criteria from the list.
• View the open map and pick your preferred seat.
• Proceed with the payment.
• Get your booking confirmation.

Method 2: By Phone

• Dial American airlines customer service phone number at 800-433-7300
• Listen to the IVR instructions carefully.
• Follow the steps as asked by the automated voice.
• Give the details about your seat preferences.
• The agent will let you know about the availability of desired seats.
• Choose the seat.
• Make payment for the desired seat.
• Wait for the confirmation of seat selection.

What are the Seating Options Available on American Airlines?

American Airlines has divided its seats sections based on luxury, comfort, prices, and availability. It starts with Basic Economy and ends in First Class. There is a detailed differentiation given below for a better understanding.  

First Class 

The highest level of service is given in this class only. Any passenger flying domestically or internationally can take full advantage of First-Class tickets. It is considered best only for long flights & to get more comfort, luxury and amenities. It is worth the money for the passengers paying for this class. 

• Let’s talk about the ground privileges for the passengers. You get speedy check-in with personalized security that escorts you directly to the airplane. 
• Passengers get priority checked baggage and an assistant to handle all your luggage & bags to the airplane. 
• First Class seats have wider seats with more legroom space to stretch the whole body.  
• First Class passengers get the Premium dining options which includes world class cuisine and top drinks in the world. 
• Additionally, passengers are allowed to use entertainment systems for free. As, American Airlines has provided free Wi-Fi service just for the passengers. So, they don’t get bored while flying. 

Business Class 

A little lower class, but it has almost the same services as First Class. Business travel is best suited for shorter international flights between the neighboring countries of the US. Talking about the services then passengers get: 

• Priority privileges for fast check-in & onboarding. 
• Upon requesting for additional services, passengers also get premium assistance at the departure and arrival points to handle the luggage and bags. 
• Lounge services are specially provided to the Business Class passengers. No need to wait outside, a clean and private cabin provided with complimentary food & drinks. 
• While traveling, the passengers are provided with the best cuisines and top-class drinks for free. 
• Entertainment systems & Wi-Fi are provided to enjoy your favorite shows while flying.  

Premium Economy 

This class is located behind Business Class and provides a little lower service to the passengers. However, it is best suited for the passengers who travel for long hours and want luxury at limited prices.  

• Passengers get the same priority check in, special security, and first checked bags whenever you board or land. 
• Passengers are provided with wider seats with adjustable feet and headrest for better comfort. 
• Chef inspired meals & free beer, wine, and spirits are provided for the passengers while traveling. 
• Free personal monitors are provided for entertainment with free Wi-Fi to watch favorite shows & movies. 
• Power outlets are provided in each seat, so you never run out of battery. 
• A free and additional amenity kit with skincare, beauty, and sleeping kit is provided for your better health. 

Main Cabin 

A normal seating class with premium amenities given to the passengers.  It is best suited for someone who travels a lot or with a large group. A perfect choice that gives you comfort at normal prices only at American Airlines. Main cabin is divided in two segments- Main Cabin Extra & Main Cabin. There is not much difference between these two but one thing you get flying in Extra class is the top-class comfort starting at $20 only. 

• Passengers are provided with priority check-in & onboarding on the plane. 
• Extra legroom with overhead bin space for you and your bag to fly in comfort. 
• You can now carry 1 personal item and 1 bag free of cost because it is complimentary in Main Cabin Extra. 
• Other amenities such as free entertainment, Wi-Fi, food, and drinks are provided for a smooth journey. 

Basic Economy 

The last class of American Airlines with many restrictions. This class provides services & comfort at the lowest prices. Frequent travelers can take as much advantage of this class. It is best suited only for traveling at minimum prices because you don’t get complimentary services at the airport or on the plane. 

How Much Does it Cost to Choose a Seat on American Airlines?

American Airlines seat selection fees vary on multiple factors like timings, flight length, seat type, etc. Usually, a passenger gets a free carry-on bag and one free personal item with every kind of seat. 

American Airlines seating costs between $0-$160 depending on the various factors. However, the cost may get high for passengers who need extra service. First & business-class and Premium Economy seats are the most costly, while Main Cabin and Basic Economy are cheaper comparatively. 

How to Select a Seat for Free on American Airlines?

The flyers with American Airlines elite status and elite members of partner airlines can avoid paying a seat selection fee. Besides, travelers can redeem AAdvantage miles for seat selection fees. Let’s see how you can avoid paying fees in the following:

• Preferred Seating- American Airlines AAdvantage elite passengers get free access to standard legroom seating in preferred cabin areas. Additionally, the elite members of Oneworld Alliance partner get free access to preferred seating on American Airlines.
• Main Cabin Extra- Members of AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum get free access to Main Cabin Extra seats. Besides, the Gold members can choose Main Cabin seats for free within 24 hours of departure. 
• Using AAdvantage miles- A traveler with no elite status can use AAdvantage miles to pay the seat selection fees. The cost depends on numerous factors like flight length, location, etc. Therefore, you must have enough AAdvantage miles to cover the whole cost of seat selection.

What happens if you don't choose your seats on American Airlines? 

Flying in your favorite seat is the best feeling while traveling on a plane. Each passenger has a different taste in seats. Some want extra legroom, some want window seats, and some want easy access to the bathroom. If you don’t want to choose your preferred seats, then don’t worry, you will still fly with your ticket. But this time, American Airlines will choose random seats for you for free of cost.  

This process is the same for every passenger who doesn’t want to select their seat in advance and who is traveling in Basic Economy Class. Well, there is no doubt that this process can save a lot of money. But it will also take the privilege of sitting in your preferred seat. Generally, American Airlines assign seats which are in the middle or back of the aircraft. So, if you are traveling with your partner, then there is no guarantee that you will be seated together. To upgrade your traveling experience, it is advised that you select your seats in advance and travel with comfort. 

Is AA's seat selection fees refundable? 

Passengers traveling in American Airlines cannot ask for a refund for a seat selection. This is an additional service applied to your flight ticket. So, even if you cancel your ticket, you will get your base fare price only and not the additional services you opted for. But if you have booked Premium and upper-class tickets then you get the seat selection service free of cost. 

Passengers can ask for refunds only in specific situations, such as: 

• Travelers will get a full refund amount for the seat selection if the flight gets canceled. 
• In case you upgrade your travel class to First or Business. In that case, your original seat selection amount will be refunded.  
• Any passenger who cancels the flight, rebook & pay for the seat in the next flight. He or she can ask for a refund for the original seat selection fee. 
• The ticket is canceled within 24 hours of the booking and at least 7 days before departure can ask for a refund of seat selection.  
• To make a refund request, you need to visit American Airlines' refund page and submit a separate request for each ticket number. 
   

Final Words

In this blog, we bought a simpler way to to select a seat with American airlines to enjoy a comfortable journey ahead. Also, we brought you ways to avoid your seat selection fees. You must focus on collecting AAdvantage miles to avoid paying a seat selection fee. By planning ahead & understanding the seat selection process and policy, you can secure your ideal seat. Remember, booking early and exploring options like main cabin extra or preferred Seats can make all the difference in your travel experience. Why delay book today. Safe travels!

Read More Related Post Links:

SFO American Airlines Terminal

American Airlines Change Flight Fee

American Airlines Boarding Groups

American Airlines Seat Selection

How to Book American airlines multi city flights?

FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions)