American Airlines Seat Selector Guide

Most American Airlines tickets include free seat selection for most seats. As you’ve probably guessed from that long sentence, American Airlines does not offer free seat selection to all its passengers.

How much is the American Airlines seat selection fee? This article will answer your question, and show you how to avoid the American Airlines fee for seat selection.

American Airlines Seat Selection Fee

American Airlines charges a fee to choose a seat. This can range from being free for the standard seat, except for when you book basic economy tickets. It could cost up to $160 to get an extra legroom seat for a long haul international flight.

The American Airlines seating fees are based on a number of factors, including flight duration and the type of seat that you choose. The most expensive seats tend to be window and aisle. A middle seat between two seats of preference might cost nothing.

How to choose seats for American Airlines Flights

American Airlines customers can choose seats either during or after the purchase of a flight. Logging into your AAdvantage Account is recommended if you are just beginning a search for flights. So, your data will automatically be filled in and you can maximize the benefits of being a frequent flyer. Below, you’ll find more information.

Imagine you’re planning a trip from Denver to London. You’ll first need to choose your flight. You can view the available seats during the search by clicking the “Seats” button in the results. You can get an estimate of how many seats are available for your group by clicking on the “Seats” link in the search results. The price of selecting seats will not be available yet.

You can select your seats after selecting your flight, comparing fare upgrades, entering your details and declining to purchase miles.

You will have to select a seat if you purchased a basic economy ticket, regardless of the seat type. Prices for selecting a seat in the following example range between $9 and $24 depending on what you choose.

You can choose any seat in the economy class for free. You can also pay extra for seats with more legroom and preferred seating. In this case, it costs between $10 to $22 for Main Cabin or a Preferred Seat.

The American Airlines flight numbers will not allow you to choose seats for flights operated by partners. You’ll need to book the flight to obtain the confirmation number of the airline partner (also known as the PNR, or record locator). You can then contact the airline to request a seat.

You’ll also need the confirmation number from American Airlines if you purchased your flight via another airline. Click on the tab “manage trip/check-in”.

You can find out your itinerary by entering your confirmation number and last name. You’ll then see the options for selecting your seats.

How to Avoid Paying American Airlines Seat Selection Fees

You can avoid paying the seat selection fees by having elite status with American Airlines, or a partner airline that is eligible for it. You can also redeem AAdvantage points to cover seat selection fees.

AAdvantage Elite members of all tiers get free access to the preferred cabin seating, which is standard legroom in the preferred sections of the aircraft. This benefit starts at the booking stage. Elite members of oneworld Alliance member airlines also get free access to American Airlines’ preferred seating, and this is true even for the Ruby level.

Along with extra legroom and early boarding, Main Cabin Additional seat holders also receive complimentary drinks, snacks, and beer.

AAdvantage Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro elites have access to Main Cabin Additional seats at no cost from the moment of booking. Gold Elites are entitled to choose Main Cabin extra seats for free within 24 hours after departure.

Alaska MVP Gold members, as well as Gold 75k, and Gold 100k, elite members, can choose Main Cabin extra seats at the time of reservation. Alaska MVP Members must wait 24 hours prior to departure before they can select Main Cabin extra seats. Basic economy tickets are not eligible.

You may redeem AAdvantage points to cover the fees if you are unable to use your elite status. The cost of mileage is also affected by factors like the duration of the flight or the position of your seat.

The redemption rate is usually around 1 cent per mile. This is not an attractive rate. NerdWallet rates American Airlines Miles at 1.5 cents per mile. This could still be a good redemption option, if you don’t have enough miles to book flights.

If you don’t have the AAdvantage points in your account, then the cost of selecting a seat will be covered. You’ll need to either choose a cheaper seat or purchase more miles if you don’t have enough AAdvantage miles. The combination of cash and miles cannot be used to purchase a seat.

Travelers that purchase a Main Plus will receive complimentary access to Main Cabin Plus and preferred seats. The option to upgrade is not free. The extra charge may still be worth the added benefits of an additional checked bag, priority boarding, and free seat selection.

Can you receive a refund for American Airlines’ seat selection fee?

American Airlines’ seat selection fees generally are not refundable. You can receive a seat selection fee refund in certain situations.

American Airlines, for example, will refund seat selection fees when you upgrade to first or business class, purchase a more expensive seat on the exact same flight, or cancel within 24 hours after booking your flight (if booked two days prior to departure).

If American Airlines cancels or delays your flight for a long time, you may miss the connecting flight that you bought seats on. You will also receive a refund if they don’t offer a seat comparable on the replacement flight.

Last thoughts on American Airlines Seat Selection

You can select your seats with American Airlines either when you book or after. To get free seating, you will need to stay away from basic economy tickets. You can only choose a seat with extra legroom or preferred seating if you are an elite member or have used miles.

Check to see if the flight you are on is being operated by an airline partner. You’ll have to contact that airline for a confirmation code and choose your seat.

(Photo at top courtesy American Airlines)