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Choosing a seat must be the first thing you may want before boarding an American Airlines flight. However, what if the airline gives you an option to sit on your favourite seat. With the american airlines seat selection process, you can easily select a favourable seat. It further makes the journey more comfortable. 

Under that, American Airlines provides you various seating options like Basic Economy, Premium Economy, Business, Main Cabin Extra seat etc. Every seat has its own feature. Therefore, to learn more about picking a seat on American Airlines, go through the information below.

Pick a Seat on American Airlines - Terms and Conditions

Do you want to pick a seat on American Airlines? For that, first, you need to understand how american airlines seat assignment works. Here it is:

  • American Airlines allows seat selection during and after booking, or at the airport.
  • You can select a seat for free depending on the availability. 
  • Basic Economy passengers can not pick a free seat.
  • Further, American Airlines can change the seat for security reasons. 
  • A seat is allotted to an adult, just adjacent to a child who is below 15 years of age. 
  • The airline will itself provide a seat if you do not pick it before flight.
  • American Airlines provides complimentary seat selection to AAdvantage elite members.
  • Seat selection costs on American Airlines can differ with the travel class and flight distance.
  • You should reach the boarding gate 15 minutes before departure to claim your seat. 

Note: You can read the terms and conditions in full on the American Airlines official website.

Different Seating Options AA Offers

Looking at the different needs of its passengers, AA offers different seating options. Therefore, you can choose from the various American Airlines seating options for your next trip.

Flagship First: The most luxurious seating option of all. You will find it only in Boeing 777-300 flights. Therefore, enjoy world-class amenities on board, such as mentioned below:

  • Private check-in facility
  • Access to premium lounges 
  • Exclusive dining experience before flight
  • Arrival lounges facility 
  • Five-star facilities
  • Lie flat seat
  • No cost entertainment 
  • Wi-Fi and USB connectivity

Flagship Business: The best choice for international travel. You can take advantage of additional amenities and services, comprising:

  • Priority check-in and boarding 
  • Access to premium lounges
  • Arrival lounges 
  • Five-star service
  • Lie flat seat 
  • Chef made dining
  • Free of cost entertainment
  • Wi-Fi connectivity

First: You can book your seats in First class for a rich experience on board. 
Priority check-in and boarding

  • Five-star service 
  • Wider and extra legspace seat
  • Premium dining
  • No cost entertainment 
  • Wi-Fi connectivity

Business: It is best for a premium experience on short-haul international flights from the US to some specific countries.

  • Priority during check-in, boarding, and security check
  • Five-star service
  • Access to flagship lounges
  • Wider seat with additional legroom
  • Premium dining experience
  • Wi-Fi access
  • Free entertainment
  • Pillow and blanket
  • Sleep set

Premium Economy: These seats come after Flagship Business and First Class. It provides you with facilities like:

  • Speedy check-in and boarding
  • Wider and extra legroom seats
  • Leather seats with head and footrest
  • Chef-made dining
  • Wi-Fi connectivity and 
  • USB ports 
  • Sleep set 

Main Cabin Extra: Getting a seat in the ‘Main Cabin Extra’ gives you following benefits:

  • Early boarding
  • Extra leg space 
  • Free carry-on bag
  • Free snacks and drinks
  • Access to the overhead bin.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity

Main Cabin: It consists of everything that makes your journey comfortable. You enjoy:
Preferred seat selection

  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Free carry-on bag facility 
  • Meal facility on board (beverages and meals)
  • No cost entertainment 

Basic Economy: With this, you can select a seat in the Main Cabin. But, you need to pay for that. You can still have some benefits with this fare class.

  • Comfortable seat 
  • Free snacks 
  • Soft drinks 
  • Inflight entertainment
  • Complimentary seat selection for AAdvantage members

Note: All the above facilities are not available on every flight. Therefore, check in advance.

How Do I Pick a Seat on American Airlines?

American Airlines lets you pick a seat while and after booking, or at the airport. You can still do it by visiting the "My Trips" section if you skipped it during booking. In that case, you should follow the steps below to choose a favourable seat. 

  • Visit American Airlines website
  • Enter your credentials like booking number and last name. 
  • Then, click on the "My Trips" option. 
  • Tap on the booking for which you want to add a seat.
  • Click on "Add a seat."
  • Select from the available options.
  • Make the payment, if applicable. 

At last, the airline will send you the updated ticket details on your registered email ID. 

If you find the American Airlines seat selection process a complicated one, then connect with its representative. For that, call 800-433-7300. An American Airlines agent will help in picking a suitable seat for you.

What are AA Preferred Seats?

American Airlines preferred seats are the located in favourable places in the Main Cabin. It is a standard seat that gives you extra legroom. However, you pay an extra charge for the same.

You get these seats as ‘complimentary’ if you fall under any of the following:

  • AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum, and Gold members
  • You are travelling on an AirPass
  • Oneworld, Emerald Sapphire, and Ruby members 
  • Active Military personnel 
  • Full fare passenger
  • Award ticket holder

Note: You can book these seats on American Airlines, and American Eagle-operated flights only.

Does American Airlines Charge for Seat Selection?

Yes. American Airlines charges for seat selection, especially when you purchase a basic economy fare. Accordingly, American Airlines cost for seat selection differs depending on the type of seat you choose. For example, if you choose a Main Cabin Extra Seating, then charges start from $20.

However, the airline also provides free seat selection in some situations. It will provide you a random seat if you do not pick a seat till check-in.

Conclusion

You are more than welcome to fly sitting on your desired seat. The above information will help you choose the best seating option for your next journey. But before that, you must understand the American Airlines seat selection terms and conditions. 

Lastly, you can contact an American Airlines representative for any unanswered queries, or can call our experts at 1-860-516-6375.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

How to get free seats on American Airlines?

You can choose a seat for free if you have AAdvantage member status. Another way to get a seat for free is to skip the seat selection process. Further, the airline will assign you a random seat.

Do I have to select a seat on American Airlines?

No. You do not need to do it compulsorily. But, the airline will assign you a seat that may or may not match your comfort.

What is the difference between Economy and Basic Economy seats on American Airlines?

Basic Economy is the lowest fare class on the flight that requires you to pay for a seat. However, you can choose an extra legroom seat for free in Economy class.

Is it worth paying for seat selection?

Yes. If comfort is your priority, then picking up a seat in advance is a good thing.

What happens if you don't choose a seat on American Airlines?

You will still get a seat. The airlines will offer you a random seat that may not match your preference.

How much does American Airlines charge for seat selection?

American Airlines charges a seat selection fee between 0 and $120. It differs with the particular seat types.
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