Selecting your seat in advance can make a big difference in your comfort & overall travel experience. Do you want to pick your favorite seats? then you can plan your next trip with American Airlines & get suitable seats. American Airlines offers flexible seat selection policy that acquire the seats of your choice depending on the fare type, travel class & the AAdvantage status.
American Airlines allows passengers to select their seats during the booking process, after booking via the “My Trips” section on their website or app, or during check-in (which opens 24 hours before departure). The availability and cost of seat selection depend on the fare class you purchase.
In the given information, you can understand how seat selection works, fees, and tips to get best seat that will help you to choose the right spot on the plane & avoid hassle free boarding. Look at the following details to pick the seats as per your favorite destination.
What is American Airlines Seat Selection Policy?
Before proceeding to acquire comfortable seats, passengers must be familiar with the seating criteria. American Airlines seat selection policy is designed to ensure a smooth travel experience while helping travelers avoid unnecessary fees.
- The seating at reservation time is always free according to the fare class.
- If you acquire the best seats within 24 hours of the reservation, you can avoid any seating fees.
- For the preferred seats, you must pay some extra amount.
- In the emergency exit seats, you must be medically fit to handle unusual situations.
- All the minor passengers under the age of 14 will get the seats with their adults.
- At the time of check-in, you can also choose the seats except the basic economy seats.
- If you cannot choose your favorite seats, you can get the same at the departure airlines assign you the same.
- Elite members with American can access the priority seating for a comfortable journey.
- You are allowed to choose your seat up to one hour before departure with the help of airport members.
How to Select a Seat on American Airlines?
You can choose your seat during or after booking in one of the following ways:
- During booking on AA.com, the mobile app, or through a travel agent.
- After booking by visiting “Manage Trips” on the American Airlines website or app.
- At check-in, if you haven’t selected a seat earlier.
What are the Seating options Available on American Airlines?
Want to ensure a comfortable seat on your flight? Then it’s important to understand the different fare types and seating options offered by American Airlines. In this blog, you’ll find a complete breakdown of seat types and the associated seat selection costs based on your travel class.
While main cabin & higher fare classes include free standard seat selection, Basic Economy passengers must pay an additional fee if they wish to choose a seat before check-in. Premium options like Preferred Seats and Main Cabin Extra offer better locations, more legroom, and early boarding available for an added cost or free for AAdvantage elite members.
Preferred Seats:
Preferred seats don’t provide extra legroom, but they are situated in the preferred corners of the aircraft. You can choose either a window seat or nearer to the main door.
Standard Seats:
These sites are not like the elite or the preferred seating. These are the simple seats that are available in every travel class and are common in the middle of the plane. Airlines don’t charge any extra fees for the standard seats.
Elite Seats:
Passengers who have elite or VIP status are eligible for the elite seats on the journey. You need to log into the registered account to obtain the seats. Sometimes, these are not available online, as you can get the privilege at the airport.
Main Cabin Extra:
The main cabin seats have extra legroom to relax and enjoy the journey. You can expand your legs for the proper seat. However, passengers have the facility for American Airlines seat selection and choose this seat. All the seats are under the economy, and you need to pay some extra for the seating criteria.
How do you Pick your Seats with American Airlines?
Choosing your seat on American airlines is quick & easy either you are booking a new trip or managing existing reservation. There are various method to select seat during booking, after booking “my trip”, at the airport or during check in opens 24 hours before departure. Follow simple steps to choose your preferred seat below:
Pick the Seats Online:
- Firstly, Open the American Airlines official website at www.aa.com.
- After that, log into the account.
- Then, Insert the correct username and password for the details.
- Over there, provide the flight details for the reservation.
- Choose the flight and open the seating map.
- You can see the available seats for your travel class.
- Pick the preferred seats for all of the passengers and move further.
- Pay the seating fees, if any, and complete the process.
- American Airlines will share the confirmation message to your registered email ID.
Pick the Seats on the Mobile App:
American Airlines also has a mobile app that you can use to acquire seats. You need to download the app and access the booking over there. Just get the reservation and choose the seats from the American Airlines seat selection option. Therefore, find the seats from the seating map and add them to your booking.
Connect with customer service:
Except for any other methods, you can also speak to the human at customer service and acquire assistance. Travelers must dial the American Airlines phone number at 800-433-7300 and attend to the IVR voice instructions. Once you get the customer experts, you can ask them to provide the best available seats nearer to the exit gates.
How Much Does it Cost to Select Seats on American Airlines?
The seat selection cost will depend on the type of ticket, travel class, and destination. If you select the seats within 24 hours of the reservation, they don’t deduct any fees. But after that, American Airlines seat selection fee can be between $8 to $300, that you must pay. If you do it at the check-in, you can skip the seating fees for your destination.
Here’s the latest information on how much American Airlines charges for seat selection, based on fare type and seat category:
Seat Type | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Basic Economy (paid seat) | $10–$40 |
Preferred Seats | $15–$50 |
Main Cabin Extra | $20–$170 |
Standard Main Cabin | Free (included in fare) |
How do I Choose my American Airlines Seat After Booking a Flight?
Do you forget to choose the seats when booking? Don’t take any tension and get the seating after the reservation. Therefore, to pick seats after the booking, you need to follow the mentioned points.
- Firstly, access the American Airlines official site at www.aa.com.
- After that Open the My Trips icon from the middle of the screen.
- Then, Provide the reservation reference code and the passenger’s surname.
- When you get the booking, choose the flights for the seating.
- From the menu, tap on the seat selection button.
- You can see the seating map from the screen where you can choose.
- Get all the seats for the passengers as per the prices.
- Review the details and pay for the fees, if any.
- Your seat will be confirmed immediately. Please obtain the confirmation.
Can You Sit with Your Family on American Airlines?
Yes, If you’re flying with family or kids, it’s best to choose your seats when you book your tickets. American Airlines does try to seat families with children under 15 together, but it’s not always guaranteed unless you select your seats ahead of time.
How to Get free Seating on American Airlines?
According to American Airlines, you can get free seating at your location. So, understand the essential points for seating and skip any fees.
- Free Seat Selection during Booking: Undoubtedly, seat selection at booking is also free except for the basic economy class.
- Pick Your Seat within 24 hrs: Choose the seats within 24 hours of the reservation to avoid any fees.
- Use AAdvantage Miles: Use the American Airlines miles and log into the AAdvantage account for free seating.
- Check in to Unlock Free Seat: Complete the check-in for the boarding pass and become eligible for the free seats.
- Wait for Free assignment : However, wait for the airlines to assign the seats for free.
What are the key Features of American Airlines Business Class Seats?
Are you planning a holiday to the United States? Then, you always look for comfortable seating to give a supreme start to your vacation. Many passengers once preferred to get seats in business class, always looking for several benefits. Therefore, in American Airlines business class seat selection, you can see the given features.
- A comfortable, lie-flat seat, just like a bed in your home, so that you can reach your destination comfortably.
- Airlines crew members offer a multi-cuisine meal service and allow you to customize the dishes.
- Passengers can access the free lounges at the airport, which contain multiple services.
- At the airport, you can see the priority check-in to get on the plane first.
- On the plane, you can ask for free internet services to stay connected with your loved ones.
How to Contact American Airlines Customer Service to Select Seats?
If you are still confused about selecting the seats, you can connect with the customer service team. They can help you to skip the American Airlines seat selection fee international and provide the appropriate seats. If you want to find out how to contact American Airlines by phone, you can check the following points.
- Firstly, Get the American Airlines online site at www.aa.com.
- At the home screen, open the contact section.
- Then, Find the modes to talk to the live person for assistance.
- Choose the phone icon and acquire the phone number as per the country.
- Call on the American Airlines seat selection contact number at 800-433-7300.
- After this, hear promptly to the on-call voice commands.
- Press 1 for the language.
- Press 2 to choose the new booking.
- Press 3 for the modifications.
- Press 4 to get baggage.
- Press 5 for seat selection.
- Press 6 to talk to the live person.
Once you select the above-preferred command, your phone will be forwarded to the customer representative. They can provide the knowledge of selecting the seats for your journey and the best flying experience.
Knowing what to expect in seat selection charges help you to plan your budget and choose the best seat for your journey. Whether you’re avoiding the middle seat or upgrading for more legroom, understanding American Airlines seating structure gives you full control of your flying experience. If you are facing some issue in changing seats or manage seat then call American airlines customer service number 800-433-7300 to get instant solution.
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Do you have to pay for preferred seats on American Airlines?
Yes, you need to pay the extra amount for the preferred seating with American Airlines. You must consider your choice and pay the fees, which range between $10 to $20. The cost for selecting the seats varies as per the cabin class and location.
Can you pick seats in American Airlines’ main cabin?
Passengers can change or cancel the main cabin seats anytime at no fee. Main cabin passengers can get free seating and pick the same online.
Why can’t I select a seat on American Airlines?
Sometimes, there are no available seats of your choice, due to which you are unable to get the seats. You must check the same at the departure date or wait for the Airlines to assign the seats on the check-in.
Can you sit together with Basic Economy?
No, in the basic economy, you cannot choose the seats until the check-in. But you are not guaranteed to sit together on the plane for your destination.
How does seat selection work on American Airlines?
The American Airlines seat selection works according to the type of ticket and the membership status you have.
How much does American Airlines charge for seat selection?
The AA charges a fee according to the different seat types. Generally, the seat selection fee on American Airlines starts from $100 to $700 per person.
How do I pick my seat on American Airlines?
Passengers can choose the seats online during and after making the reservation or by visiting the airport directly.
Can I choose my seat with economy Fares on AA?
You can choose the seat with the Main economy cabin, but AA does not allow selecting a seat on basic economy fares.
Does the American main cabin include seat selection?
Yes. AA Main Cabin fares provide free choices at the time of reservation. Later passengers may have to pay the fee.
What happens if I don’t pay for seat selection on American Airlines?
Those passengers who skip to pick a seat on American Airlines can get a free random seat during check-in./p>
How to avoid paying for seat selection on American Airlines?
To avoid paying the charges, book your American Airlines website in advance or have a standard economy seat.
Does American Airlines let me choose a seat for free?
American Airlines allows passengers to pick the seats free of cost if they have an AAdvantage membership, family seating, or booking a flight with a main cabin.
Is it better to skip seat selection on American Airlines?
If you want to get the free seat selection, then skipping the seat on AA can be a good option. However, if you prefer not to choose the seat the airline will offer you a random seat for free at check-in.

Jack Andrews, an experienced travel author at lookflyfares.com, has transformed the way readers explore the skies. Combining his passion for aviation with engaging storytelling, he offers invaluable advice on finding the most affordable flights, securing the best airline deals, and enhancing the passenger experience. His expertise helps travelers navigate the world of air travel with ease, making dream journeys possible without stretching the budget.