How to Select a Seat on American Airlines

Selecting the right seat can make all the difference in how comfortable and enjoyable your flight experience is. If you’re flying with American Airlines, they offer various ways to choose your preferred seat before your flight. Whether you’re looking for extra legroom, sitting with family, or just securing a window seat, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to select a seat on American Airlines.

1. Selecting a Seat During Booking

The easiest way to choose your seat is during the booking process. American Airlines allows passengers to pick a seat after selecting their flight on the website or mobile app.

Steps to Follow:

• Online Booking:
  • After selecting your flight, you’ll be prompted to choose your seat on the seat map. You’ll see available seats, with different types marked (e.g., Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Preferred).
  • Click on your preferred seat and proceed to confirm the booking.
• Mobile App Booking:
  • After selecting your flight on the app, tap the seat map to see available seats.
  • Select your preferred seat and proceed to payment to confirm the booking.

Some seats may require an additional fee, which will be displayed on the seat map.

2. Select or Change Seat After Booking

If you’ve already booked your flight but didn’t select a seat, or you want to change your current seat, you can still choose or modify your seat later via the “Manage Trips” section.

Steps to Follow:

• Visit the American Airlines Website:
  • Go to the “Manage Trips” section on the American Airlines homepage.
  • Enter your booking reference and last name to pull up your reservation.
  • Once in your booking, you’ll have the option to view and change your seat using the seat map.
• Use the Mobile App:
  • Open the American Airlines app and log in.
  • Navigate to “My Trips” and select the reservation.
  • Tap on the seat map and choose your preferred seat.

If you’re unable to change your seat online, you may need to call American Airlines customer service, or you can select a seat at the airport during check-in.

3. Types of Seats Available

American Airlines offers a range of seating options, each catering to different needs and preferences. Understanding the types of seats will help you choose the best option for your flight.

Main Cabin

• Standard seats available for selection. Seat selection for Main Cabin passengers is free at the time of booking, though some preferred seats may come with a fee.

Main Cabin Extra

• These seats offer extra legroom and are located in the front of the Main Cabin.
• They also include early boarding (Group 5) and complimentary snacks and drinks.
• Passengers can pay extra for Main Cabin Extra seats at the time of booking or afterward.

Preferred Seats

• Preferred seats are standard Main Cabin seats but are situated in more convenient locations like near the front of the plane or closer to the exit.
• These seats are available for an extra charge, though AAdvantage elite status members and Oneworld alliance elites can select them for free.

Premium Economy

• Premium Economy offers more space, with wider seats, additional legroom, and enhanced onboard amenities.
• You can select Premium Economy seats when purchasing a Premium Economy fare or upgrade to Premium Economy if your flight offers it.

Business and First Class

• Business and First Class passengers enjoy priority boarding, extra legroom, premium meals, and other luxury perks.
• Seats in these classes are assigned when booking a Business or First Class ticket.

4. Seat Selection Fees

American Airlines may charge a fee for certain seats, depending on your fare class and where you want to sit.

• Free Seat Selection:
  • If you’re traveling in Main Cabin and are okay with any available seat, you can choose from available standard seats for free.
• Paid Seat Selection:
  • For premium seats, such as Main Cabin Extra or Preferred, passengers can expect to pay a fee ranging from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the route and type of seat.

American Airlines’ loyalty program, AAdvantage, offers seat selection perks. Elite members (Gold, Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum) can select Preferred seats and sometimes Main Cabin Extra seats for free, based on their status.

5. Selecting Seats for a Group or Family

When traveling as a group or family, it’s essential to ensure that everyone is seated together. Here’s how to do it:

• Book Together: If you’re traveling with family or a group, it’s easier to ensure you’ll be seated together by booking all tickets in the same reservation. American Airlines will attempt to seat everyone in the same booking together.
• Use the Seat Map: During or after booking, you can view the seat map and select seats next to each other for your group.
• Family Seating Policy: American Airlines aims to seat children under 15 with an accompanying adult at no extra charge, though it’s recommended to select seats early for guaranteed seating.

6. Upgrading Your Seat

American Airlines offers several ways to upgrade your seat, whether it’s to Premium Economy, Business, or First Class.

• Upgrades with Miles or Cash: Passengers can upgrade using AAdvantage miles or by paying for an upgrade through the website or mobile app.
• Complimentary Upgrades: Elite status members in the AAdvantage program may receive complimentary upgrades depending on their tier and availability.

7. Airport Seat Selection

If you haven’t selected a seat by the time you arrive at the airport, you can choose your seat during check-in. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so check-in as early as possible for the best options.

• Self-Service Kiosks: You can select or change your seat at an airport kiosk during check-in.
• Ticket Counter or Gate Agent: The staff at the ticket counter or gate can assist in assigning or changing your seat, particularly if no seats are available online.

8. Checking Seat Availability

To see available seats before your flight, you can check the seat map on the American Airlines website or app. This is particularly useful if you want to change your seat or see if more desirable seats open up closer to the departure date.

Conclusion

Selecting the right seat on American Airlines is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your flying experience. Whether you want a little extra legroom, a seat near the front, or the luxury of Business Class, American Airlines offers a variety of options to meet your needs. Always remember to book early, use the online tools available, and consider your comfort and preferences when choosing your seat.