How Do I Pick My Seats on American Airlines?

Picking the right seat can make all the difference in the world. Be it a window seat, extra legroom, or sitting with family, American Airlines seat selection offers you a variety of choices. The following is a comprehensive guide on how to go about selecting your seats with American Airlines, along with the associated fees and costs. 

How to Select American Airlines Seat During Booking?

When booking your flight on the American Airlines website or app, you’ll have the option to select your seat right away. After choosing your flight, you’ll see a seat map where you can pick from available seats. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing a preferred seat.

Standard Seats: These are regular seats in the main cabin that are often available at no extra charge.

Preferred Seats: These seats are located in more convenient areas of the plane, such as near the front or in rows with additional legroom. Fees for American Airlines seat selection apply to these.

Main Cabin Extra: If you’re looking for extra legroom and other perks like early boarding, Main Cabin Extra is a premium option available for an additional fee.

How to Select Your Seat After Booking?

If you didn’t select a seat during booking, you can do so later:

Visit "My Trips": Simply log in to your American Airlines account, go to "My Trips," and pull up your reservation.

Modify Seat Selection: You’ll be able to view the seat map again and make your seat selection based on availability.

This is an excellent option if your travel plans change, or if you prefer to wait before finalizing your seat.

American Airlines Seat Selection Fee

When selecting seats, especially preferred or premium ones, keep in mind that additional fees may apply. The American Airlines seat selection fee varies depending on the route, cabin class, and seat location.

Standard Seats: No additional fee for most standard seats in the main cabin.

Preferred Seats: These seats generally come with a small fee, often starting at $9 and going up depending on the flight.

Main Cabin Extra: The cost for these premium seats can range from $20 to $100+, depending on the flight and distance.

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

The American Airlines seat selection cost depends on several factors:

Domestic Flights: Seat selection fees are generally lower for short-haul domestic flights.

International Flights: For longer international flights, fees for premium seating options may increase.

Main Cabin Extra: If you choose Main Cabin Extra, the cost will be higher due to the added benefits like early boarding and extra legroom.

Be sure to check the specific fees during the booking process or in your reservation details.

American Airlines AAdvantage Members

If you are an AAdvantage member, then you have a chance to get some free seat selection in some categories or at least a discount in case of elite status. It means that you can get Preferred Seats for free or get Main Cabin Extra seats at a discount.

Conclusion

Picking your seat on American Airlines is fairly easy, and given the array of seating options-from basic to luxury-you can be sure you'll fly comfortably. Just remember to check the American Airlines seat selection fee before confirming your choice, and if you’re looking for more comfort or convenience, Main Cabin Extra might be worth the extra cost. Whether you are booking your flight or managing your trip later, choosing a seat is easily done when traveling with American Airlines to get you ready for a hassle-free journey.