Worried about a middle seat with that basic economy ticket? Reserve a seat ⁠— for a fee

american airlines seat assignment request

Two days before my American Airlines flight from Chicago to Las Vegas in June, I checked the airline's website to see how much they wanted for a seat assignment.

Yes, a seat assignment.

I was traveling on a basic economy ticket , and those no-frills tickets don't come with an advance seat assignment and carry other restrictions. The airline assigns you one at check in, so you never know where you'll end up on the plane.

Basic economy passengers who are afraid of getting stuck in a middle seat, or being separated from their traveling companions, have the option of selecting a seat for a fee. It's no different than the system used by discount airlines Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant , whose bare bones fares inspired major airlines to add basic economy tickets. 

The window for buying a seat with a basic economy ticket varies by carrier: United allows the purchase of a seat assignment during booking, while Delta and American only sell seats to basic economy passengers a week before the flight. Until July 2, American only allowed purchase 48 hours in advance on domestic flights. (American passengers buying international basic economy tickets can buy a seat when booking.)

My ticket to Las Vegas fell under the 48-hour policy. At that time, American's seat map showed a few options: a handful of $9 seats, including a couple of aisle seats and a couple of window seats and a few rows of "preferred'' seats closer to the front of the plane but without any extra legroom or other perks. The going rate for 17D, a "preferred'' aisle seat: $31. The priciest choice: $62 for an aisle seat in the exit row, one of American's Main Cabin Extra seats featuring more legroom and free drinks. 

There were no high-pressure tactics to get me to buy one. A note at the top of the seat map said: "If you don't want to pay for your seats now, we'll assign seats after you check in.''

I passed on all, as I usually do, on principle. (I also refuse to pay for Southwest Airlines' early bird boarding, one of the airline's versions of a seat fee.)

As a solo traveler, I've had good luck snagging an aisle seat on the basic economy flights I've booked. Until this trip.

The bad news greeted me when I checked in online: A middle seat. For 3 ½ hours. 

I wasn't worried about arm-rest hogs as much as I was about jumping over someone every time I had to use the restroom.

I didn't want to take my chances on a seat change at the airport on a Saturday in the middle of summer travel season , so I paid for a seat last minute. The $9 seats were long gone. I sprung for one of the Main Cabin exit row seats with free drinks they had peddled a couple of days before. It was a whopping $46, cheaper than it was when initially offered but still a fortune on a flight that was $200 one way in basic economy. The only reason I paid and didn't suck it up in a middle seat: I discovered remaining airline fee credits so I was reimbursed for the charge. (But that's another story.)

Lesson learned: Buy a seat the first time it's offered if a middle seat is going to ruin your vacation. Otherwise, save the money. My advice is exactly the same when you encounter seat-selection fees on a regular economy ticket. The fees are  everywhere, and the prices are on the rise .

Basic economy seat fees: four things to know 

1)  You don't have to pay for a seat assignment.  Airlines will assign you a seat for free when you check in online or get to the airport. You might not like the seat, and you will likely be separated from anyone traveling with you. Airlines say they block seats together for basic economy passengers traveling with young children, but travelers report varying success; ask at the airport or play the "will you trade seats with me?'' game on the airplane. The latter is becoming more difficult as passengers who have paid a fee for a particular seat (basic economy or regular economy) are reluctant to give it up.

2)  Seat fees vary by airline, flight, route, row and other factors. For a basic economy ticket from Los Angeles to Chicago in September, United last week was quoting seat fees from $12-$51 per person one way. The low end got you a middle seat or a window seat near the back of the plane, with an aisle seat there fetching $18. The $51 fee was an aisle seat in row 15. No extra legroom or other perks. 

Delta was charging a flat $29 one-way fee for a seat assignment on an Atlanta-New York flight this week.

American wanted $10-$43 one way for seats on a Dallas-Las Vegas flight this week.

3)  Do the math . Basic economy tickets are designed for price-sensitive travelers. Airlines do their best to scare passengers from buying them during booking, with pop-up windows and alerts galore about the restrictions, including no seat assignment, and listing the price difference over a less-restrictive regular economy ticket.

The gap between basic economy and regular economy varies widely. Sometimes the savings are well worth it, even with seat fees. In other cases, hefty seat fees can eat up any savings over a regular economy ticket.

Take the United flight from Los Angeles to Chicago: The fare difference between basic economy and regular economy was $80 round trip. Paying $13 each way for an aisle seat would still put you ahead $54. (Note, though, that United is the only airlines that forbids basic-economy passengers from bringing a standard carry-on bag . Only personal items that fit underneath the seat are allowed, and the policy is strictly enforced.)

Conversely, paying Delta $29 each way for a seat assignment on the Atlanta-New York trip would wipe out the $40 round trip savings between basic economy and regular economy.

My one-way American basic economy ticket from Chicago to Las Vegas was $35 cheaper than regular economy. A $9 seat fee would have still made it a deal, the $45 I ended up paying, not so much. 

One challenge here for ticket shoppers: only United lets you see the basic economy seat fees in advance on its website (though American does if it's an international flight.) So if assigned seats are critical to you, do the math using samples from this story..  

4)  Buying a regular economy ticket instead of a basic economy ticket does NOT guarantee you will get your pick of seats without paying a fee.

In their side-by-side comparisons of basic economy versus regular economy tickets on their websites, American, United and Delta each tout the opportunity to select your seat as a benefit of regular economy tickets. 

Read closely though and you'll see the qualifiers: American says "fee may apply,'' Delta says you can select "available seats'' and United says "complimentary seat assignments are offered when available.''

Depending on the flight and how far in advance you book, your only choices might be a free middle seat, or there may not be two seats together. The flights I spot-checked had free seats available when buying a regular economy ticket, but plenty of the seats were for sale.

Seat fees have become so prevalent, many travelers mistakenly think they are getting more legroom, a cushier seat or other perks by paying the fee. Those perks are reserved for travelers paying an even higher fare or seat price.

Simple Flying

American airlines alters seat reservation refund rules - what's new.

**Update: 06/12/20 @ 22:10 UTC –   An American Airlines spokesperson shared further information on the current policy; details below**

American Airlines has made a change to its refund policy when it comes to seat reservations. The Dallas-Fort Worth-based carrier will allow passengers to request a voucher for the value of a non-refundable seat if they cancel their trip during the COVID-19 travel period. These rules apply to flights booked by June 30, 2020, for travel through September 30.

A useful feature

The Points Guy highlights that previously, customers could only get a refund if they either canceled their flight within 24 hours of booking or if they paid to upgrade to a premium seat. Additionally, the operator would usually offer a refund if it rebooked a passenger for a reason that is not in their control or could not get a suitable alternative seat.

Now, with the revised policy, travelers are eligible for vouchers if they consult AA's flexible booking policy and voluntarily amend or cancel their trip. There are plenty of concerns surrounding travel during the current global health crisis. Therefore, this is a progressive move for the company.

Several passengers may be reluctant to fly during this sensitive climate. Additionally, with the situation continually changing, there could be many people making last-minute changes to their plans. Therefore, this move gives customers peace of mind when booking.

American Airlines Delta

Handling the situation

This process not only helps passengers, but it could also help American . Ultimately, there could be several more bookings made because passengers know that they are covered if they need to change their itinerary.

Moreover, since vouchers are on offer, AA is not losing out on any much-needed funds due to the amendments or cancellation. So, there is a balance on both sides.

It should be noted that apart from trips canceled within the 24-hour fee-free refund period, refunds and vouchers may not be given automatically. Therefore, customers need to submit separate requests for their flights, seats, and other purchases. Applications can be made by calling American or visiting its website .

American Airlines 767

A balanced approach

Simple Flying reached out to American Airlines for comment. A spokesperson for the firm clarified what changes are being made:

"During the COVID pandemic, for customers who were eligible for a refund, we were refunding their seat purchase to the original form of payment if they asked for one through reservations. We are now replacing that with a voucher and automated online process," the spokesperson said.

"Typically, seats are non-refundable if a customer voluntarily cancels their travel plans. However, due to COVID, we are now allowing customers to request a voucher for the value of their unused seat. Customers receive an email that includes details on how to request that voucher."

Altogether, the ideal solution for passengers would be a full refund. However, there needs to be a balance in place as airlines are already facing strains on their finances . So, a travel voucher in situations where the customer chooses not to travel seems to be a fair deal.

What are your thoughts on this move by American? Is this a good move for the airline? Let us know what you think in the comment section.

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Yes, Airlines Do Have the Right to Change Your Seat Without Warning

Here's what to do when it happens.

When right-wing pundit Ann Coulter resorted to complaining on Twitter about having her seat moved on a 2017 Delta flight, she gave the world a golden example of how not to behave.

Perhaps she wasn’t fully aware of her rights — or the airline’s — but the tweetstorm that unfolded reminds us why it’s always important to know your rights as a passenger.

When you purchase an airline seat, you are required to acknowledge that you agree to the contract of carriage, a legally binding agreement between you and the airline, usually by checking a box next to the phrase “I agree to the terms and conditions of the contract of carriage” or some variation thereof.

Delta’s contract of carriage states : “Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket as required by its operations in Delta’s sole discretion.”

When you buy a plane ticket, the airline is only obligated to get you from point A to point B. Everything else that comes with it (reserved seating, overhead bin space, baggage allowance, and food and beverage service) is at the discretion of the airline. Because you’re not buying an actual seat — you’re purchasing transportation.

What to Do When an Airline Moves Your Seat

When you’re asked by a flight attendant or gate agent to change seats, it’s usually to help families sit together, allow caregivers to sit next to patients, or accommodate an air marshal or other airline employee. They also might ask you to move for safety reasons or to help redistribute the weight balance of the aircraft, especially on smaller planes.

If it happens to you, respond politely and graciously. Over the years, I’ve been asked countless times to move seats and have done so without complaining. Nearly every time, the flight attendant thanked me for my willingness to be flexible with free bottles of wine or a snack.

Your Boarding Pass Is Your Assigned Seat

If a gate agent comes onboard and hands you a new boarding pass, that is the seat you are required to sit in, regardless of how much you paid for your ticket or the class of service you purchased. The gate agent has supreme power of seating assignments for every flight and dictates who sits where. If they ask you to move, do it.

You May Be Entitled to a Refund

If you’re downgraded from a seat with extra legroom to a regular economy seat, the airline will reimburse you the difference. In Coulter’s case, Delta refunded her the $30 extra fee she paid for the Delta Comfort+ seat that was given to another passenger.

The contract of carriage for American Airlines , as another example, states that you can request a refund for a variety of reasons , including getting re-booked on a flight that causes you to miss a connection, or if you get moved from a preferred seat to a non-preferred seat or a preferred aisle/window seat to a preferred middle seat. Those “preferred” seats refer to the coveted seats near the front of the economy cabin or in emergency exit rows that typically cost extra.

If your seat gets moved and you feel you are owed a refund, contact the airline’s customer service department to request one.

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Seating Accommodations

Seat assignment criteria.

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines are required to provide certain seating accommodations to passengers with disabilities who self-identify as needing to sit in a certain seat. If you are a passenger with one of the disability-related needs listed below and self-identify as such to the airline, you may qualify for one of the following types of seating accommodations:

  • Movable Aisle Armrest : If you use an aisle chair to access the aircraft, and cannot transfer readily over a fixed aisle armrest.
  • Bulkhead Seat or Other Seat : If you are traveling with a service animal, that is best accommodated at a particular seat.
  • Greater Leg Room : If you have a fused or immobilized leg and need a seat that better accommodates your disability, including an aisle seat or a bulkhead seat.
  • A personal care attendant who performs a function that is not required to be performed by airline personnel, for example assisting you with eating;
  • A reader if you are blind or visually impaired;
  • An interpreter if you are deaf or hard of hearing; or
  • A safety assistant, for example if you cannot assist with your own evacuation.

Note : If the conditions above do not apply to your situation, the airline is still required to provide you with a seat assignment that best accommodates your disability. This may include one of the seating accommodations listed under “Seat Assignment Criteria” above. However, if you do not meet the airline’s seating assignment criteria (ex. you did not check-in on time), the airline must only provide the seating accommodation to the extent practicable.

Things to Know

Do most airlines provide advance seat assignments for passengers with disabilities?

  • Yes. Depending on the type of seating method your airline uses and your particular disability-related need, you may be required to ask for a specific type of seating accommodation more than 24 hours in advance or to check in one hour before the standard check-in time for the flight. 

Do all airlines provide advance seat assignments?

  • No. Some airlines do not provide advance seat assignments. 
  • If your airline does not provide an advance seat assignment, you can request to board the aircraft before other passengers if you need additional time or assistance to board, stow accessibility equipment, or select a seat that best meets your needs.

Should I contact the airline in advance if I need to sit in a particular seat due to my disability?

  • Yes. If you have a disability and would prefer or need a certain type of seating accommodation, you should contact the airline at the time you make your reservation to learn more about the method that the airline uses to make arrangements for a seating accommodation.

If I have a temporary disability (ex. broken leg), can I still receive a seating accommodation?

  • Yes. If you have a fused or immobilized leg, airlines are required to provide you with a seating accommodation that accommodates your need for more leg room. 

Must an airline provide me with a seat in a different class of service to accommodate my disability?

  • No. Although airlines may choose to seat you in another class of service to accommodate your disability, they are not required to provide you a seat in a class of service other than the one you paid to sit in.  For example, if you paid for a seat in Economy Class, the airline is not required to seat you in Business Class to accommodate your disability.

Must an airline provide an extra seat free of charge for a passenger with a disability who needs that space?

  • No. Airlines are not required to furnish more than one seat per ticket purchased.  However, if you need an extra seat, you can purchase one.

Can an airline require you to change your assigned seat or sit in a bulkhead seat because you are traveling with a service animal?

  • Generally, no. But an airline may do so to comply with FAA or applicable foreign government safety regulations.  For example, you may be asked to change seats if you are traveling with a service animal that blocks access to the emergency exit.

Can I sit in an exit row?

  • Airlines must always comply with FAA and foreign government safety rules.  Although there are exit row seating restrictions that may, they don’t always prohibit certain passengers with disabilities from sitting in an exit row seat.

Seating Accommodation Tips

Before Your Trip

  • You should make reservations as early as possible and request the needed seating accommodation.
  • You should know that individuals with a service animal or a fused leg have priority  for the bulkhead seats.  Airlines that provide advance seat assignments to passengers must either (1) block an adequate number of bulkhead seats for passengers traveling with a service animal or who have a fused leg; or (2) designate an adequate number of bulkhead seats as “priority” seats for such passengers.
  • Be aware that while an airline is not required to allow you to select a specific seat, it is required to provide you a seat that meets your needs (with certain limitations for bulkhead seats and emergency-exit seats).
  • You should know that airlines are not required to upgrade you to a higher class of service to accommodate your disability.   Airlines are also not required to provide more than one seat per ticket.

At the airport

  • When you arrive at the airport and check in at the ticket counter, confirm with the airline that it has a record of your seating accommodation request.
  • If you need additional time or assistance to board the aircraft, consider requesting to pre-board. Airlines must allow passengers with disabilities the opportunity to pre-board who self-identify at the gate as requiring additional time or assistance to be seated or stow accessibility equipment. A passenger must make a request to the gate agent to take advantage of this opportunity.

On the aircraft

  • You are entitled to a bulkhead seat if you are traveling with a service animal or have a fused or immobilized leg. Airlines are also required to provide other available bulkhead seats to passengers with other types of disabilities if they need it to readily access the air transportation service.
  • If you have given advance notice to the airline about the seating accommodation you need and have received a seat assignment, and there is an aircraft change, your request for accommodation should be transferred to the new seating map for the replacement airplane. While the airline may not guarantee that you receive the exact same seat assignment, the new seat assignment should provide the same level of accommodation that your original seat assignment does.

Encounter A Problem?

  • If you believe your rights under the Air Carrier Access Act are being or have been violated, ask to speak with a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO). A CRO is the airline’s expert on disability accommodation issues. Airlines are required to make one available to you, at no cost, in person at the airport or by telephone during the times they are operating.

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How to Navigate Costly Airline Seat Selection Fees

Sam Kemmis

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Airlines always seem to have one more trick up their sleeves for adding fees to the cost of airfare. Anyone who has flown in the past few years knows that some airlines now charge for basics, like carry-on bags and a printed boarding ticket. Yet one sneaky charge is often ignored by even savvy travelers: seat selection fees.

On the surface, there’s nothing complicated about these fees. Some airlines will let you select a specific seat for a markup on the base cost of your ticket. However, the way the fees are presented is often misleading, making it seem like you must select a seat and pay the accompanying fee.

american airlines seat assignment request

A seat selection chart from Frontier Airlines.

This approach, in which companies add fees throughout the checkout process, is called “drip pricing” by experts. And research indicates that it's an effective sales tactic, both for confusing customers and driving up overall prices.

But here’s the thing: You almost never have to pay these fees. Here’s how to avoid — or at least minimize — these pesky fees.

Ways to avoid seat selection fees

Skip seat selection altogether.

Though it might sound scary, there's one weird trick airlines don’t want you to know: You don’t have to select a seat. On most airlines, you'll get assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate if you don’t already have one.

Some airlines make it seem like you must (or at least should) select a seat during checkout. Frontier Airlines even has a graphic interstitial page telling you why selecting a seat is such a great option.

american airlines seat assignment request

Don’t fall for it. You can always skip seat selection and save the money, but do keep a few things in mind:

Skipping seat selection doesn’t mean you won’t get a seat on the flight.

You might get stuck in the middle seat if you don’t pay for one.

Even if seat selection is free, you might want to skip it if only lousy seats are available (see the "upgrade hack” below).

Pick an airline with lower seat fees

Part of what’s so confusing about these fees is how inconsistently the industry is applying them. Unlike change and cancellation fees, which most U.S. airlines recently abolished, many airlines seem to be increasing the upcharge on selecting seats.

But some are charging much more than others.

According to an analysis of airline fees by NerdWallet, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines charge the least for seat selection, while Frontier and Spirit Airlines charge the most.

Airlines with modest seat fees (less than $10 each leg):

Airlines with high seat fees ($15-plus each leg):

Southwest Airlines doesn’t technically charge for nor allow seat selection in the same way as other airlines, so it's excluded from this data. But you won’t get charged a seat selection fee on Southwest during checkout, so it’s also a good option.

Roll the dice with an upgrade hack

As a regular, non-frequent flyer, it’s hard to get your seat upgraded these days. Yet skipping seat selection sometimes offers the opportunity to get bumped into premium seating.

Here’s how it works. Airlines now offer a “premium economy” fare or similar. Sometimes, all of the good seats — including the exit rows — are considered premium. The airlines try to charge extra for these seats, but if nobody takes them and the flight is full, they have to assign them to somebody.

Specifically, airlines will assign these empty, better seats to those passengers who haven't selected a seat. So if you put yourself in this pool, you have a chance of scoring an even better seat than those who paid extra for advance seat selection.

Of course, there’s a potential downside: You could very well get stuck in a middle seat in the back of the plane rather than getting upgraded. But if you notice that your flight is full and not many passengers have upgraded to the good main cabin seats, skipping seat selection altogether can be an expert-level travel move.

» Learn more: How families can get seats together on a plane

Don’t pay for advance seat selection

Airlines are playing the same game. They want to show the lowest fares possible on search results, then upsell you during checkout. This drip-pricing tactic is a pain for passengers . Charging for seat selection is one way airlines try to make a buck at the last minute.

Know your options and avoid their trickery. Skip seat selection altogether or fly an airline with limited seat fees, like Alaska, Hawaiian or JetBlue. Each charges little or nothing for choosing a seat. Worst case, you’ll end up in the middle seat. Best case, you’ll get a seat with extra legroom.

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american airlines seat assignment request

How to snag an exit-row seat when flying U.S. carriers

Katie Genter

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Whether you are 6'7" like TPG founder and CEO Brian Kelly , or you simply want more space, you might want to book an exit-row seat for your next flight.

With tight seat pitch in economy on many airlines, travelers covet exit-row seats for the extra legroom they often provide. Many airlines allow flyers who have elite status to select exit-row seats for free either at booking or at check-in. But there are often ways for non-elites to snag these seats as well.

Although exit-row seats have their benefits, there are also downsides. For example:

  • Exit-row seats are often narrow due to fixed armrests
  • The tray table and entertainment screen may extend from the armrest and be uncomfortable to use on exit-row seats
  • Exit-row window seats often only have partial armrests, limited window views and limited legroom due to the exit door design
  • Aircraft designed often located lavatories near exit-row seats on wide-body aircraft
  • Seats in the first of two exit rows generally won't recline

So, consider the tradeoffs. And, of course, you can only sit in an exit-row seat if you're willing and able to assist in case of an emergency . But, if you'd decided you want an exit-row seat, today I'll discuss how to snag one on 10 popular US-based airlines.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

Alaska Airlines

american airlines seat assignment request

Alaska's website states that only Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite members can reserve exit-row seating in advance. Non-elites can check-in as usual and then ask any customer service agent at their departure airport about exit-row availability. But, doing so is only likely to get you an exit-row seat occasionally.

Non-elites looking to snag exit-row seats in advance will want to fly Alaska's A321 aircraft . On this aircraft type, Alaska usually classifies exit-row seats near the plane's rear as Saver seats.

american airlines seat assignment request

You can search your route on Alaska's website and click "Preview Seats" under each option until you find one with exit-row seats bookable as Saver seats. But, you'll be out of luck on most Alaska flights since I only found exit-row seats available as Saver seats on the A321.

If you need extra space but can't snag an exit-row seat on Alaska Airlines, you could purchase a Premium Class seat after selecting a Main or Saver fare. Although Premium Class usually doesn't include exit-row seating, it does provide four extra inches of legroom and a complimentary drink.

Alternatively, if you have elite status with another airline, you might be able to status match and challenge to get Alaska Airlines elite status . Doing so would allow you to select exit-row seats on most Alaska Airlines flights while you work to earn status with Alaska Airlines .

Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Alaska Airlines

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air charges between $0 and $80 to select a seat during booking. However, on most routes I checked, the price to reserve an exit-row seat at booking was between $16 and $29.

If you don't purchase a seat while booking, you can purchase a seat before check-in using the Manage Travel page. Or, you can purchase a seat during online check-in. But, Allegiant won't change your seat assignment at the airport or once you've pointed your boarding pass.

Related: Southwest vs. Allegiant: What it's like to fly a low-cost airline during a pandemic

American Airlines

american airlines seat assignment request

American Airlines classifies most, if not all, exit-row seats as Main Cabin Extra seats. The following elite members can snag Main Cabin Extra seats for free:

  • American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members (at booking for the member and up to eight travelers on the same reservation)
  • Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members with elite status on British Airways, Iberia, Finnair or Japan Airlines (at booking for the member and up to eight travelers on the same reservation)
  • AAdvantage Gold and Oneworld Ruby members with elite status on British Airways, Iberia, Finnair or Japan Airlines (within 24 hours of departures when seats are available)

If you don't have elite status with American Airlines or select Oneworld partners, you can still pay to select Main Cabin Extra or Preferred seats, including exit rows. Plus, Main Cabin Extra seats come with complimentary beer, wine and spirits on flights with full beverage service.

american airlines seat assignment request

Prices vary for Main Cabin Extra seats depending on the route. But, prices are seemingly the same regardless of date or whether you get a window, aisle or middle seat. For example, for a flight from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX), exit-row seats cost $95. And for a short hop from Washington (DCA) to Portland (PWM), exit-row seats cost $43.

american airlines seat assignment request

You can pay to select seats even when flying on an American Airlines basic economy ticket. Unfortunately, American Airlines is seemingly blocking most exit-row seats on its widebody aircraft. So I was unable to check exit-row seating costs on transcontinental and long-haul international flights.

Related: A beginner's guide to American Airlines economy seats

Delta Air Lines

american airlines seat assignment request

Delta's designates most exit-row seating in the economy cabin as Preferred Seating. But, you can also snag extra legroom in Delta's extra-legroom Comfort+ seating, which the carrier technically sells as a separate class of service. And you can purchase Preferred or Comfort+ seating on any Main Cabin ticket.

All Delta elite status levels get complimentary Preferred Seats and Comfort+ upgrades, although Comfort+ upgrades will clear at different times for different status levels. But, if you're flying on a Delta Basic Economy fare, you're not eligible for paid or complimentary upgrades to Preferred or Comfort+ seating.

american airlines seat assignment request

On the Boeing 767-400 , a widebody jet Delta uses on many transcontinental, European and South American routes , exit-row seats are only available in one row and sold as Preferred Seating. I checked the JFK to LAX route on several dates and the buy-up to a Preferred exit-row seat was $159. However, the cost of a Comfort+ seat with extra legroom ranged from $139 to $179. So, many passengers looking for extra legroom might prefer the Comfort+ seat over the exit row.

american airlines seat assignment request

For a short-haul route from Atlanta (ATL) to Savannah (SAV) on Delta's Boeing 717-200 , you can select exit-row seats with limited recline on a Main Cabin fare for no additional cost. However, for flights on this route operated by Delta's CRJ900 , exit-row seats (including some with limited recline) cost $9. Alternatively, you can select Comfort+ seats with extra legroom on both aircraft types for a modest amount that ranged from $14 to $19 on several dates I checked.

american airlines seat assignment request

Related: Delta Air Lines extends seat-blocking through March 2021

Frontier Airlines

american airlines seat assignment request

Frontier Airlines sells Stretch Seating that has five to seven more inches of legroom than standard seats. Stretch Seating costs between $35 and $70 per flight. Frontier says that purchasing seats at booking provides the best price.

Frontier's aircraft generally have Stretch Seating in the first couple rows that provide 36" of legroom and exit-row seating that provides 38" of legroom. There are two consecutive exit rows on some Frontier aircraft, but Frontier only marks row 13 as Stretch Seating. After all, row 12 has extra legroom but isn't pre-reclined. So, if you don't mind not being pre-reclined, row 12 may present an opportunity to get extra legroom at a discount.

Related: 7 takeaways from Zach Griff's first Frontier Airlines flight in over four years

Hawaiian Airlines

american airlines seat assignment request

Hawaiian sells exit-row seats as Extra Comfort Seats on Airbus A321 and A330 routes and as Preferred Seats on all neighbor island routes. Hawaiian Pualani Platinum and Pualani Gold elites are eligible for upgrades to Extra Comfort and Preferred Seats at the airport based on availability.

However, you can purchase an upgrade to Extra Comfort and Preferred Seats at booking or after booking as long as you didn't buy a Main Cabin Basic fare. A Preferred Seat on a neighbor island flight costs just $10 per passenger each way. But, Extra Comfort Seats on A321 and A330 routes vary in cost.

Related: 5 reasons to fly Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii

american airlines seat assignment request

JetBlue's exit rows are all sold as Even More Space seats, which have up to seven inches more pitch than standard JetBlue seats.

The cost to reserve an Even More Space seat varies based on route and seat location. For example, exit-row Even More Space seats on JetBlue's Boston (BOS) to Los Angeles (LAX) route cost between $99 and $101. Meanwhile, exit-row Even More Space seats on the New York (LGA) to Boston (BOS) route cost between $30 and $32.

american airlines seat assignment request

You can also use JetBlue miles to reserve an Even More Space seat. Unlike on many airlines, JetBlue elites don't receive complimentary upgrades to Even More Space seats. However, JetBlue elites do get discounted prices when using miles to reserve Even More Space seats .

Related: The complete guide to the JetBlue TrueBlue program

Southwest Airlines

american airlines seat assignment request

Southwest does boarding and seating a bit differently. No one is assigned a seat, so there's no way to reserve an exit row. Instead, you merely select whatever available seat you want when you board.

Southwest determines boarding order by the order you sign in when check-in opens 24 hours before departure. But, even if you check-in immediately, Southwest elites and those who purchase a Business Select fare, Upgraded Boarding or EarlyBird Check-in will be ahead of you.

If I check-in precisely 24 hours before departure or purchase EarlyBird Check-in , I'll usually be able to snag an exit-row seat. But, I might end up in a middle seat or have to argue with someone who is attempting to save a seat .

So, if you're serious about making sure you get an exit-row seat, you'll want to purchase a Business Select fare or upgraded boarding — which is often available for purchase at the gate before boarding. Business Select fares are usually substantially more expensive than other fares, but upgraded boarding is often available for $30 to $50. And cardholders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card get four upgraded boardings per year when available.

Related: Everything you need to know about the best seats on Southwest Airlines

Spirit Airlines

american airlines seat assignment request

TPG founder and CEO Brian Kelly enjoyed Spirit when he flew in an exit row from Havana to Ft. Lauderdale in 2017. Regular seats, including exit-row seats that provide up to 10 inches more legroom, cost between $1 and $50 to reserve. The specific cost varies based on route and seat location.

In some cases, Big Front Seats will be a better value than exit-row seats. Big Front Seats cost $12 to $150 when purchased in advance and $25 to $175 when purchased onboard. These seats provide 36" pitch and 18.5" width, which makes them similar to domestic first-class products offered on other U.S. carriers.

For example, here's what seat costs currently look like on a flight from ORD to LAS in May:

american airlines seat assignment request

Big Front Seats and exit-row seats sometimes sell out. So, it's best to purchase your seat early if you're sure you want the extra space.

Related: Why having the Spirit Airlines credit card isn't crazy

United Airlines

american airlines seat assignment request

United Airlines allows you to reserve some exit-row seats that the airline designates as Preferred seats. Additionally, you can also purchase extra-legroom Economy Plus seating. If you buy a United Basic Economy ticket , you can pay to reserve Preferred exit-row seats at any point or Economy Plus seats at check-in .

The cost to reserve Preferred or Economy Plus seating varies. For example, for a United 757-200 flight between EWR and SFO in May, exit-row seats range from $19 to $139. The first row of exit-row seats is classified as Preferred seating due to limited or no recline and costs $19 to $29 to reserve. The second row is classified as Economy Plus seating and costs $134 to $139.

american airlines seat assignment request

Or, for a flight from EWR to BOS in May, an exit-row seat will cost you between $25 and $26 on United's 737-700 .

american airlines seat assignment request

United MileagePlus Premier members get complimentary access to Economy Plus and Preferred seats. All MileagePlan Premier elites can select Preferred seats for no charge at booking. And Premier Gold and higher members can snag Economy Plus seats at booking, while Premier Silver members can select Economy Plus seats at check-in. You can also purchase an Economy Plus subscription from United if you fly the airline frequently but don't have status.

Since United elites and subscription members will snag the best seats as departure nears, it's best to purchase exit-row or Economy Plus seats when you book if you know you want the extra room.

Related: 6 flyer-friendly improvements United should consider implementing next

Bottom line

If you're tall or simply want extra legroom, exit-row seats can make your economy flight much more comfortable. As shown in this guide, almost every airline will charge you to reserve exit-row seats. Of course, you can always try asking nicely for an exit-row seat at the airport. Although asking will sometimes net you an exit-row seat, it's better to plan ahead and pay if you want to guarantee yourself an exit row.

Be sure to understand the details of the seat you're paying to reserve, though. If there are two adjacent exit rows, usually the seats in the first row won't recline. Some aircraft may have exit doors that restrict the legroom of the passenger in the exit-row window seat. Other airlines, like United, discount the price of these sub-optimal exit-row seats, while others will sell them at full price. And, remember: some airlines sell seats that may be more comfortable than exit-row seats at a similar price — such as Spirit's Big Front Seat . So be sure to check all your options before simply assuming the exit row is the best place to sit in economy.

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American Airlines is making it harder to rack up frequent-flier miles — here’s who will be most affected

American airlines will restrict earning miles on tickets purchased through most third-party travel websites starting may 1, american airlines will restrict earning miles on tickets purchased through most third-party travel websites starting may 1, and this could impact consumers booking tickets from credit card portals and travel agencies..

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American Airlines will soon stop letting customers earn frequent-flier miles when they book trips on third-party travel sites — and the change will hurt some road warriors more than others.

The airline announced Tuesday that unless travelers book tickets directly through American’s website or with its “preferred” travel agencies or third-party sites, they will not be able to earn frequent-flier miles on their tickets as they used to.

At the moment, American Airlines AAL, -0.72% passengers can earn miles when they buy a ticket via third-party websites such as Expedia EXPE, -2.01% or their credit card’s travel-booking portal. Currently, there are some restrictions on how many miles travelers earn on basic economy-class tickets purchased on third-party sites.

But after May 1, if travelers want to earn miles for American’s AAdvantage program on their purchases of any flight they have to make the purchase directly from American Airlines , or through an agency or third-party travel site recognized by the airline. The airline hasn’t yet released a list of these preferred third-party sites, but says it will do so in April.  

In another blow to travelers’ wallets, the carrier also announced that it will increase fees for checked bags from $30 to $35 for the first bag, and $40 to $45 for the second. 

While American says that most AAdvantage Miles members won’t be affected by the new rules, some travel experts say the restrictions will penalize everyday travelers, especially those who spend a long time searching for cheaper tickets. It will be a bigger inconvenience for those comparing fares at different sites, to say the least, said Gunnar Olson, flight-deal analyst at Thrifty Traveler. 

“This is just another way in which the airlines are making everybody double-check and triple-check everything before they make bookings so you don’t get stuck with a fare that you really didn’t want in the first place,” he told MarketWatch. 

Airlines want to push travelers to buy more premium tickets — those first-class and the business-class seats that bring in more money, Olson added. In the past decade, many airlines have come up with restrictions on basic-economy seats, such as checked-bag fees , and boosted the rewards for their loyalty programs. 

The result is that leisure travelers lose the most, said Chris Elliott, a consumer advocate and journalist. 

“The losers are going to be regular air travelers who are just trying to get a good deal and maybe enough frequent-flier miles to have a flight at the end of the year to visit grandma for Thanksgiving,” said Elliott. Elites — those hardcore business travelers who have tons of miles — are not among those impacted, he added, especially by the increased baggage fees. “Corporate travelers are the ones with a credit card. They all get quote-unquote, ‘free checked bags,’” Elliott said. 

“ “Almost every airline is pursuing some sort of NDC strategy, so they’re all trying to do the same thing.” ”

However, about 80% or more of AAdvantage Miles members will still be able to earn miles as they do now after May 1, an American Airlines spokesperson told MarketWatch in an email.

The airline will continue to allow travelers to earn frequent-flier miles when they book on third-party sites that use a new booking system known as “New Distribution Capability.” The system displays more features such as seat selection, and can “ provide more relevant, tailored offers to our customers,” the carrier said on its website. Many major travel sites such as Expedia have already adopted the new technology . 

It’s possible that other airlines could follow suit and push third-party sites to use the new booking system, travel experts and aviation analysts told MarketWatch. Aside from the new system being more user-friendly, it’s also a lot cheaper for airlines and for passengers. Airlines usually offer cheaper prices to passengers through sites that use the NDC system compared to non-NDC sites.

“Almost every airline is pursuing some sort of NDC strategy, so they’re all trying to do the same thing,” said Jeff Klee, CEO of corporate travel platform AmTrav. “I think there will be a lot of changes in how airline tickets are sold and who’s selling them,” Klee told MarketWatch. 

Will I still be able to earn frequent-flier miles if I book travel on Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak or another travel site?

For deal-seekers who are searching for cheaper prices via major online travel agencies such as Expedia, the good news is that most of those sites have adopted the new technology, which means they will likely be on American’s list of preferred providers. 

Big global distribution systems — such as Amadeus AMADY, -1.63% and Travelport, as well as major travel agencies and aggregators such as Expedia and Booking.com BKNG, -10.15% — have adopted the new system, according to aviation analytics company OAG . 

But it could be hard for smaller, mom-and-pop travel agencies to implement the change quickly, said Zach Griff, senior aviation writer with the Points Guy. Those businesses usually have less support to navigate through a new infrastructure change and many employees of travel agencies have little access to the new technology or are not familiar with it, according to OAG. 

Expedia, Kayak BKNG, -10.15% , Travelport and Booking.com did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Will I still be able to earn frequent-flier miles as a business traveler?

It depends on whether those travelers work for an employer that has a relationship with American Airlines, but most corporate travelers will not be affected by the policy change.

Business travelers who work for companies that have contracts with American Airlines are not affected by the new rules, the carrier said when announcing the change. Those travelers can still earn miles wherever they purchase their tickets. This includes AAdvantage Business members, a category the airline introduced last year, for travelers with medium or smaller-sized businesses. 

Most big corporations have contracts with major airlines, Griff said. But travelers from smaller companies may have to navigate this change on their own. 

Will I still be able to earn AAdvantage miles when I book flights through a credit-card portal?

People who book their flights through their credit card’s travel portal are facing more uncertainty, analysts told MarketWatch. 

Some credit-card companies partner with other online travel agencies and outsource the booking process to agencies that use the new system that American prefers, said Cory Garner, who runs an independent airline advisory company Garner in Dallas, Texas. 

But some credit-card companies still use the old technology and may have some difficulty meeting the requirement by American Airlines, he said. In addition to that, it’s uncertain whether American Airlines will see those credit-card companies as competitors of its own credit-card lines and act on that, Garner said. Airlines also operate their own credit cards and they often generate important revenue for the company. 

But using credit-card travel portals may not offer the best deals for consumers. An American Airlines spokeswoman told the Wall Street Journal recently that credit-card travel portals that use the older distribution technology do not have the same access as others to American Airlines’ cheaper fares. 

How have travel costs affected your life? Let us know at [email protected]. One of our reporters might reach out to you to learn more.

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american airlines seat assignment request

Zoe Han is a personal finance reporter for MarketWatch. You can follow her on Twitter @zoeyuqhan.

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American Airlines is making it harder to rack up frequent-flier miles — here’s who will be most affected

A merican Airlines will soon stop letting customers earn frequent-flier miles when they book trips on third-party travel sites — and the change will hurt some road warriors more than others.

The airline announced Tuesday that unless travelers book tickets directly through American’s website or with its “preferred” travel agencies or third-party sites, they will not be able to earn frequent-flier miles on their tickets as they used to.

At the moment, American Airlines passengers can earn miles when they buy a ticket via third-party websites such as Expedia or their credit card’s travel-booking portal. Currently, there are some restrictions on how many miles travelers earn on basic economy-class tickets purchased on third-party sites.

But after May 1, if travelers want to earn miles for American’s AAdvantage program on their purchases of any flight they have to make the purchase directly from American Airlines , or through an agency or third-party travel site recognized by the airline. The airline hasn’t yet released a list of these preferred third-party sites, but says it will do so in April.  

In another blow to travelers’ wallets, the carrier also announced that it will increase fees for checked bags from $30 to $35 for the first bag, and $40 to $45 for the second. 

While American says that most AAdvantage Miles members won’t be affected by the new rules, some travel experts say the restrictions will penalize everyday travelers, especially those who spend a long time searching for cheaper tickets. It will be a bigger inconvenience for those comparing fares at different sites, to say the least, said Gunnar Olson, flight-deal analyst at Thrifty Traveler. 

“This is just another way in which the airlines are making everybody double-check and triple-check everything before they make bookings so you don’t get stuck with a fare that you really didn’t want in the first place,” he told MarketWatch. 

Airlines want to push travelers to buy more premium tickets — those first-class and the business-class seats that bring in more money, Olson added. In the past decade, many airlines have come up with restrictions on basic-economy seats, such as checked-bag fees , and boosted the rewards for their loyalty programs. 

The result is that leisure travelers lose the most, said Chris Elliott, a consumer advocate and journalist. 

“The losers are going to be regular air travelers who are just trying to get a good deal and maybe enough frequent-flier miles to have a flight at the end of the year to visit grandma for Thanksgiving,” said Elliott. Elites — those hardcore business travelers who have tons of miles — are not among those impacted, he added, especially by the increased baggage fees. “Corporate travelers are the ones with a credit card. They all get quote-unquote, ‘free checked bags,’” Elliott said. 

“Almost every airline is pursuing some sort of NDC strategy, so they’re all trying to do the same thing.” — Jeff Klee, CEO of corporate travel platform AmTrav

However, about 80% or more of AAdvantage Miles members will still be able to earn miles as they do now after May 1, an American Airlines spokesperson told MarketWatch in an email.

The airline will continue to allow travelers to earn frequent-flier miles when they book on third-party sites that use a new booking system known as “New Distribution Capability.” The system displays more features such as seat selection, and can “ provide more relevant, tailored offers to our customers,” the carrier said on its website. Many major travel sites such as Expedia have already adopted the new technology . 

It’s possible that other airlines could follow suit and push third-party sites to use the new booking system, travel experts and aviation analysts told MarketWatch. Aside from the new system being more user-friendly, it’s also a lot cheaper for airlines and for passengers. Airlines usually offer cheaper prices to passengers through sites that use the NDC system compared to non-NDC sites.

“Almost every airline is pursuing some sort of NDC strategy, so they’re all trying to do the same thing,” said Jeff Klee, CEO of corporate travel platform AmTrav. “I think there will be a lot of changes in how airline tickets are sold and who’s selling them,” Klee told MarketWatch. 

Will I still be able to earn frequent-flier miles if I book travel on Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak or another travel site?

For deal-seekers who are searching for cheaper prices via major online travel agencies such as Expedia, the good news is that most of those sites have adopted the new technology, which means they will likely be on American’s list of preferred providers. 

Big global distribution systems — such as Amadeus and Travelport, as well as major travel agencies and aggregators such as Expedia and Booking.com — have adopted the new system, according to aviation analytics company OAG . 

But it could be hard for smaller, mom-and-pop travel agencies to implement the change quickly, said Zach Griff, senior aviation writer with the Points Guy. Those businesses usually have less support to navigate through a new infrastructure change and many employees of travel agencies have little access to the new technology or are not familiar with it, according to OAG. 

Expedia, Kayak Travelport and Booking.com did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Will I still be able to earn frequent-flier miles as a business traveler?

It depends on whether those travelers work for an employer that has a relationship with American Airlines, but most corporate travelers will not be affected by the policy change.

Business travelers who work for companies that have contracts with American Airlines are not affected by the new rules, the carrier said when announcing the change. Those travelers can still earn miles wherever they purchase their tickets. This includes AAdvantage Business members, a category the airline introduced last year, for travelers with medium or smaller-sized businesses. 

Most big corporations have contracts with major airlines, Griff said. But travelers from smaller companies may have to navigate this change on their own. 

Will I still be able to earn AAdvantage miles when I book flights through a credit-card portal?

People who book their flights through their credit card’s travel portal are facing more uncertainty, analysts told MarketWatch. 

Some credit-card companies partner with other online travel agencies and outsource the booking process to agencies that use the new system that American prefers, said Cory Garner, who runs an independent airline advisory company Garner in Dallas, Texas. 

But some credit-card companies still use the old technology and may have some difficulty meeting the requirement by American Airlines, he said. In addition to that, it’s uncertain whether American Airlines will see those credit-card companies as competitors of its own credit-card lines and act on that, Garner said. Airlines also operate their own credit cards and they often generate important revenue for the company. 

But using credit-card travel portals may not offer the best deals for consumers. An American Airlines spokeswoman told the Wall Street Journal recently that credit-card travel portals that use the older distribution technology do not have the same access as others to American Airlines’ cheaper fares. 

How have travel costs affected your life? Let us know at [email protected]. One of our reporters might reach out to you to learn more.

American Airlines is making it harder to rack up frequent-flier miles — here’s who will be most affected

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' class=

When I go online to try and change my booking or to select a seat it says that this can’t be done why is this?

12 replies to this topic

american airlines seat assignment request

No idea Alex.

Is this a code share, booked through an agent or booked directly with AA with only AA? What type of fare did you book?

american airlines seat assignment request

Some possible answers:

--fare basis too low?

--the flight is full/mostly full so they won't let you choose a seat in advance. You will have to wait until you get to the airport.

Did you purchase a Basic Economy ticket?

Could also be a change of aircraft is planned - that has happened to me previously with AA bookings

Could be any of the above or a website/app glitch, which is a frequent occurrence. If not a basic fare, call reservations, sometimes they can do magic.

Re #5: Glitches sometimes happen on Sundays and holidays, as systems do their updates. Yesterday was Sunday and today (Monday, Oct 9th) is a US holiday. So maybe tomorrow things will work? Good luck with it.

Maybe there are no more free seats available? And agree, if you bought a BE ticket, you can’t change.

' class=

Like others have said...AA operated by BA?

for what it's worth, I've only had luck if I was in Prem Econ or Bus Class...but at that point, I really didn't care what seat I was in either

Thanks for the response. I have a premium economy ticket. Yes it was a codeshare my ticket was bought through British Airways

You should be able to choose seats I believe.

You will need the AA PNR which should show on the BA MMB which you can then use on the AA site, BA may have a direct link to AA in your MMB.

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We can help customers with cognitive and developmental disabilities get on and off the plane and get to a connecting flight.

When deciding whether your loved one should travel alone, consider:

  • Will they need continuous care or help with personal care?
  • Are they able to understand and respond to the safety briefing and any instructions from the flight crew?
  • If their flight is canceled or delayed, will they be able to spend a night in the airport or a hotel unsupervised?

Customers who need personal or continuous care or who are unable to follow safety instructions must travel with a safety assistant.

Special seating

We’ll do our best to secure the most comfortable and usable seats based on your needs. Please choose seats when you book or call Reservations for help booking the best seat for your needs, especially if you:

  • Plan to travel with a safety assistant or someone to help you during the flight
  • Can’t move over a fixed armrest
  • Are traveling with a service animal
  • Have a fixed or immobilized leg
  • Need extra space

Customers who need special assistance can ask to board early at the gate.

Extra space during travel

If a customer needs extra space outside a single seat to travel safely, another seat is required. We encourage customers to address all seating needs when booking.

  • When you call to book, Reservations will make sure you get 2 adjacent seats at the same rate.
  • If you didn’t book an extra seat in advance, ask an airport agent to find out if 2 adjacent seats are available.
  • You may be offered a seat in a higher class of service that may provide more space; in this case, you’ll be responsible for the fare difference.
  • If accommodations can’t be made on your original flight, you can buy seats on a different flight at the same price as your original seats.

Information for senior travelers

Here are some tips to make your trip easier:

  • Early boarding is available if you need more time or assistance boarding. You must identify yourself to the gate agent to request early boarding.
  • Wheelchair assistance is available to help with long distances at the airport.
  • If you have vision or hearing limitations, let a team member know in the airport or on the plane so that we can make sure you receive inflight safety instructions.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) site has more information on airport assistance.

TSA passenger support information Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) is a law that makes it illegal for airlines to discriminate against passengers because of their disability. The Department of Transportation is responsible for enforcing the ACAA, which applies to all flights to, from, or within the United States.

To get a copy of the ACAA regulations (Part 382), you can:

  • Call the hotline for air travelers with disabilities at 800-778-4838 or 800-455-9880 (TTY)
  • Call the Aviation Consumer Protection Division at 202-366-2220 or 202-366-0511 (TTY)
  • Write to the: Office of Aviation Consumer Protection 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 United States
  • Visit the Aviation Consumer Protection Division website

Aviation Consumer Protection Division Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Video icon not clickable - Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights

  • Video with audio description Opens a video on another site in a new window that may not meet accessibilty guidelines.
  • Video without audio description Opens a video on another site in a new window that may not meet accessibilty guidelines.

Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights

This Bill of Rights describes the fundamental rights of air travelers with disabilities under the Air Carrier Access Act and its implementing regulation, 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 382.

Read the Bill of Rights Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

  • British Airways
  • Japan Airlines
  • Qatar Airways

You may also like...

  • Traveling during pregnancy
  • Special meals and nut allergies

IMAGES

  1. How To Get Seat Assignments On American Airlines?

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  2. American Airlines Seat Selection: How to Choose or Change Seat

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  3. A Beginner's Guide to Choosing Seats on American Airlines

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COMMENTS

  1. Find your trip

    This web page allows you to view and manage your upcoming trip with American Airlines, but does not let you request a seat assignment. To request a seat assignment, you need to log in to your AAdvantage account or check in online.

  2. Main Cabin − Travel information − American Airlines

    Book now Seat selection You can choose your seat for free when you book or buy a Preferred Seat in a more favorable location or a Main Cabin Extra seat with more benefits.* Main Cabin Extra Wi-Fi You can buy Wi-Fi on select aircraft so you never miss a beat while you're on board. Wi-Fi and connectivity Bags

  3. American Airlines Seat Selection: What to Know

    Learn how to select seats on American Airlines flights and how to avoid paying seat selection fees. Find out how elite status, AAdvantage miles and Main Plus tickets can help you get better seats for free or cheaper.

  4. Reservations and ticket changes

    Here are just a few of the things you can do online: View your trip details Choose your seats Check in for your flight Add additional services to your trip like a wheelchair, an infant in lap, or a service dog or carry-on pet Request special assistance And that's just the beginning!

  5. A beginner's guide to American Airlines economy seats

    Learn about the different types of economy seats on American Airlines, such as Main Cabin Extra, Preferred and elite-only seats. Find out how to choose, pay or get them for free depending on your status and route.

  6. Guide to airline family seating policies

    Learn how to get your family seated together on American Airlines flights, including the fees and options for basic economy tickets. Find out how American complies with the DOT's guideline for family seating and what to do if you can't find adjacent seats.

  7. How to Change Seat on American Airlines

    Choosing your seat on American Airlines couldn't be easier. You can do it when you buy your ticket, at the airport or online through your reservation once yo...

  8. Exclusive: American Airlines makes positive change to its seat fee

    Effective immediately, American Airlines will let you request a voucher for the value of your non-refundable seat if you cancel your trip during the coronavirus travel period. The policy applies to flights booked by June 30, 2020 for travel through Sep. 30.

  9. Basic economy ticket: Get a flight seat assignment

    For a basic economy ticket from Los Angeles to Chicago in September, United last week was quoting seat fees from $12-$51 per person one way. The low end got you a middle seat or a window seat near ...

  10. American Airlines Alters Seat Reservation Refund Rules

    American Airlines has made a change to its refund policy when it comes to seat reservations. The Dallas-Fort Worth-based carrier will allow passengers to request a voucher for the value of a non-refundable seat if they cancel their trip during the COVID-19 travel period. These rules apply to flights booked by June 30, 2020, for travel through ...

  11. Reservations and tickets

    How do I hold a reservation? How do I retrieve and pay for a reservation that's on hold? Can I hold multiple reservations? Can I put a reservation on hold with an aa.com promotion code? What is express ticket service? Extended hold (more than 24 hours) How does extended hold work? Is an extended hold option offered on all flights?

  12. What to Do When an Airline Changes Your Seat

    The contract of carriage for American Airlines, as another example, states that you can request a refund for a variety of reasons, including getting re-booked on a flight that causes you to miss a ...

  13. Seating Accommodations

    Yes. If you have a disability and would prefer or need a certain type of seating accommodation, you should contact the airline at the time you make your reservation to learn more about the method that the airline uses to make arrangements for a seating accommodation.

  14. How to Navigate Costly Airline Seat Selection Fees

    On most airlines, you'll get assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate if you don't already have one. Some airlines make it seem like you must (or at least should) select a seat during...

  15. Patience is a Virtue: How to Get the Best Seats with AA Basic Economy

    On paper, American Airlines warns that you can't pick your seats when flying basic economy. In practice, that's not entirely true. Starting seven days before departure on domestic flights, American allows basic economy travelers to pay up for a seat assignment. Prices will vary by flight, but they typically start at $10 for a middle seat to $12 ...

  16. How to snag an exit-row seat when flying U.S. carriers

    You can search your route on Alaska's website and click "Preview Seats" under each option until you find one with exit-row seats bookable as Saver seats. But, you'll be out of luck on most Alaska flights since I only found exit-row seats available as Saver seats on the A321.

  17. American Airlines makes major pricing change passengers will love

    The next is to be sure to book directly with American Airlines. Routes to Key West International Airport include departures from New York City, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Washington, D.C.

  18. What to Do if You Don't Have a Seat Assignment for a Flight

    If you're wondering whether you'll score an aisle seat, consider your departure and arrival cities and when you're departing; if you're flying to or from a popular travel destination, the ...

  19. Main Cabin Extra − Travel information − American Airlines

    Wi-Fi You can buy Wi-Fi on select aircraft so you never miss a beat while you're on board. Wi-Fi and connectivity *Overhead bin space availability varies by aircraft. **On flights with full drink service. The number of drinks served may be limited. Book your seat Look for the Main Cabin Extra icon when you choose your seats.

  20. Refund

    For now you can either: Wait and call when you're ready to rebook. (You'll be able to apply the value of your ticket and seats to a new trip.) Request a refund, or check the status of your request. If you canceled within 24 hours of booking and at least 2 days before departure, we'll process your refund automatically.

  21. American Airlines is changing frequent-flier rules

    At the moment, American Airlines AAL, -0.72% passengers can earn miles when they buy a ticket via third-party websites such as Expedia EXPE, -2.01% or their credit card's travel-booking portal.

  22. American Airlines is making it harder to rack up frequent-flier miles

    American Airlines will soon stop letting customers earn frequent-flier miles when they book trips on third-party travel sites — and the change will hurt some road warriors more than others ...

  23. American Airlines

    Preferred seats and Main Cabin Extra are on select flights operated by American Airlines and American Eagle and subject to availability. ... Seat assignments. ... When you can request a refund for seats. You can request a refund online if you paid for seats and you: Cancel your flight, rebook, and pay for seats on your rebooked flight. ...

  24. Can't select seats or make changes on American Airlines

    AlexLyne🇮🇪 Dublin, Ireland Level Contributor 3,333 posts 16 reviews 19 helpful votes Can't select seats or make changes on American Airlines Oct 9, 2023, 3:05 AM Save When I go online to try and change my booking or to select a seat it says that this can't be done why is this? Reply Report inappropriate content 12 replies to this topic

  25. Manage Your Seat Assignment

    To select seats during booking:1. In the Who's traveling? section of the booking process, select Seat requests, frequent flyer, known traveler, redress and m...

  26. Special assistance − Travel information − American Airlines

    There you can: Request wheelchair service State if you're traveling with your own mobility device Request individual assistance if you have a hearing, vision, cognitive or developmental disability State if you're traveling with a service animal. Keep in mind, notice and approval is required at least 48 hours before your flight. Book a trip