How Much Are Preferred Seats On American Airlines?

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Are you planning a trip with American Airlines and curious about the cost of preferred seats? You’re not alone! Many travelers are interested in securing a more comfortable and convenient spot on their flight. In this article, we’ll explore the pricing and availability of preferred seats on American Airlines, so you can make an informed decision for your next journey.

How Much Are Preferred Seats on American Airlines?

How Much Are Preferred Seats on American Airlines?

If you’re a frequent flyer with American Airlines, you might want to know about the airline’s preferred seating options. These seats offer a variety of benefits, including extra legroom, priority boarding, and more. But how much do these preferred seats cost? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at American Airlines’ preferred seating options and their associated costs.

What Are the Preferred Seating Options?

American Airlines offers three different preferred seating options: Main Cabin Extra, Preferred Seats, and Premium Economy. Each option offers different benefits and comes with its own price point.

Main Cabin Extra: Main Cabin Extra seats are located in the Main Cabin and offer passengers extra legroom. These seats are also located near the front of the plane, which means you’ll be one of the first to board. Main Cabin Extra seats cost anywhere from $20 to $200 per flight, depending on the length of the flight and the seat’s location.

Preferred Seats: Preferred Seats are standard seats located in the Main Cabin that offer a bit more legroom than regular seats. These seats are located in the exit rows or at the front of the plane. Preferred Seats cost anywhere from $5 to $75 per flight, depending on the length of the flight and the seat’s location.

Premium Economy: Premium Economy seats are larger than Main Cabin Extra and Preferred Seats and offer additional benefits, such as better food and beverage options. These seats are only available on select international flights and cost anywhere from $150 to $500 per flight.

Benefits of Preferred Seating

There are a number of benefits to choosing a preferred seat on American Airlines. Here are just a few:

Extra Legroom: Preferred seats offer more legroom than traditional seats, which can make your flight much more comfortable.

Priority Boarding: Depending on the seat you choose, you may be able to board the plane early, which means you’ll have more time to settle in and get comfortable before takeoff.

Better Seat Location: Many preferred seats are located at the front of the plane or near the exits, which means you’ll have a better view and may be able to disembark more quickly.

More Comfortable: Premium Economy seats offer even more space and comfort, which can make a long flight more enjoyable.

Preferred Seating vs. Basic Economy

American Airlines’ Basic Economy option is the most affordable way to fly, but it comes with some restrictions. Here’s how it compares to preferred seating:

Price: Basic Economy is the most affordable option, but you won’t get any of the benefits that come with preferred seating.

Seat Selection: With Basic Economy, you won’t be able to choose your seat in advance. Instead, your seat will be assigned to you at check-in.

Baggage: Basic Economy passengers are only allowed to bring one personal item on board. If you need to bring additional baggage, you’ll need to pay an additional fee.

Overall, if you’re looking for a more comfortable flying experience, preferred seating is a great option. With extra legroom, priority boarding, and other perks, it’s well worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about preferred seats on American Airlines:

What are preferred seats on American Airlines?

Preferred seats on American Airlines are seats that offer extra legroom and are located toward the front of the cabin. These seats are available for an additional fee and can be purchased at the time of booking or up until check-in. Preferred seats may vary depending on the aircraft and route.

Preferred seats are a great option for passengers who want to be more comfortable during their flight or who prefer to be closer to the front of the plane for quicker boarding and disembarking.

How much do preferred seats cost on American Airlines?

The cost of preferred seats on American Airlines varies depending on the route and duration of the flight. Generally, prices start at around $20 for shorter flights and can go up to $150 or more for longer international flights. The exact cost of preferred seats can be viewed during the booking process or by logging into your American Airlines account.

It’s important to note that the price of preferred seats is in addition to the cost of your ticket and any other fees, such as baggage fees or seat selection fees for standard seats.

Can I upgrade to a preferred seat after booking my flight?

Yes, you can upgrade to a preferred seat after booking your flight on American Airlines. You can do this online by logging into your account and selecting the “Change Seats” option. You can also upgrade to a preferred seat at the airport during check-in or at the gate before boarding.

Keep in mind that preferred seats are subject to availability and there may not be any available for your flight if you wait until the last minute to upgrade.

Do I have to pay for preferred seats if I have elite status with American Airlines?

Passengers with elite status on American Airlines, such as AAdvantage Gold, Platinum, or Executive Platinum members, may be able to access preferred seats for free or at a discounted rate. The exact benefits and pricing will depend on your elite status level and the route you are flying.

If you have elite status, you can log into your account to view your available benefits and pricing for preferred seats. You can also contact American Airlines customer service for assistance.

What if I change my flight or cancel my booking with preferred seats?

If you change your flight or cancel your booking with preferred seats on American Airlines, you may be eligible for a refund of the preferred seat fee. However, this will depend on the fare rules and restrictions of your ticket.

If you cancel your booking altogether, you may be able to receive a refund of the preferred seat fee if it was purchased separately from your ticket. If you change your flight, you may be able to transfer your preferred seat to the new flight or receive a refund if preferred seats are not available on the new flight.

How to make GREAT seat selections on American Airlines


In conclusion, if you’re looking to fly American Airlines and want a better seating experience, it may be worth considering investing in preferred seats. While the cost may vary depending on the flight and location, the added benefits such as extra legroom and priority boarding can make a big difference in your overall flying experience.

Before booking your next flight, be sure to check American Airlines’ website for current pricing and availability of preferred seats. Keep in mind that these seats may sell out quickly, so it’s best to book early if you have your heart set on a specific seat.

Overall, while preferred seats may come at an added cost, the comfort and convenience they provide can make your flight experience much more enjoyable. So, if you’re willing to splurge a bit, consider upgrading to a preferred seat on your next American Airlines flight.

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