How Much Does Seat Selection Cost On American Airlines?

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Are you planning a trip with American Airlines and wondering how much it will cost to select your seat? Look no further! American Airlines offers various seat selection options, each with its pricing, depending on your travel class and preferences.

Whether you prefer extra legroom, a window or aisle seat, or being seated closer to the front of the plane, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will break down the seat selection options available on American Airlines and their associated costs to help you make an informed decision for your next flight.

American Airlines charges for seat selection based on the flight route, seat location, and travel class. Prices typically range from $5 to $75 per seat. For domestic flights, standard seat selection starts at $5, while Main Cabin Extra seats cost between $20 to $45. For international flights, standard seat selection starts at $10, while Main Cabin Extra seats cost between $55 to $75. Elite status members can enjoy complimentary seat selection.

How Much Does Seat Selection Cost on American Airlines?

How Much Does Seat Selection Cost on American Airlines?

If you’re planning to fly with American Airlines, you might be wondering about the cost of selecting your preferred seat. Seat selection is an important aspect of air travel, as it can significantly impact your in-flight comfort. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of seat selection on American Airlines and help you make an informed decision.

Types of Seats on American Airlines

Before we dive into the cost of seat selection, it’s important to understand the different types of seats available on American Airlines. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Standard Seats – These are the basic seats available on the flight. They come with standard legroom and amenities.
  2. Preferred Seats – These are the seats with additional legroom and other amenities, such as priority boarding and extra storage space.
  3. Main Cabin Extra Seats – These seats offer more legroom and other amenities than standard seats and preferred seats. They are located in the front of the main cabin.
  4. First Class Seats – These are the most luxurious seats on American Airlines. They come with extra legroom, lie-flat beds, and other amenities, such as premium meals and drinks.

Now that you know the different types of seats available on American Airlines let’s explore the cost of selecting them.

Cost of Seat Selection on American Airlines

The cost of seat selection on American Airlines varies depending on the type of seat you choose and the length of your flight. Here’s a breakdown of the cost:

  1. Standard Seats – American Airlines allows you to select a standard seat for free at the time of check-in. However, if you want to select a standard seat in advance, you’ll have to pay a fee. The cost of a standard seat selection ranges from $9 to $45, depending on the route and the time of booking.
  2. Preferred Seats – The cost of selecting a preferred seat on American Airlines ranges from $20 to $75, depending on the route and the time of booking.
  3. Main Cabin Extra Seats – The cost of selecting a main cabin extra seat on American Airlines ranges from $20 to $175, depending on the route and the time of booking.
  4. First Class Seats – The cost of selecting a first-class seat on American Airlines varies depending on the route and the time of booking. Generally, it can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

It’s important to note that the cost of seat selection on American Airlines is subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check the airline’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Benefits of Seat Selection on American Airlines

While seat selection on American Airlines comes at a cost, it also comes with several benefits. Here are some of the benefits of selecting your preferred seat:

  1. More Comfort – By selecting your preferred seat, you can ensure that you have enough legroom and other amenities to make your flight more comfortable.
  2. Better Location – By selecting a preferred seat, you can choose a location that best suits your needs. For example, if you want to get off the plane quickly, you can select a seat near the front.
  3. Priority Boarding – Some preferred seats come with priority boarding, which means you can board the plane before other passengers.
  4. Extra Storage Space – Some preferred seats come with extra storage space, which can be useful if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.

Seat Selection vs. Basic Economy

If you’re trying to save money on your flight, you might be considering purchasing a basic economy ticket. However, it’s important to note that basic economy tickets do not come with the ability to select your seat in advance. Here are some differences between seat selection and basic economy:

  1. Price – Basic economy tickets are generally cheaper than regular economy tickets with seat selection. However, if you want to select your seat, you’ll have to pay an additional fee.
  2. Comfort – Basic economy tickets come with fewer amenities and less legroom than regular economy tickets with seat selection. If you value comfort, it might be worth paying the extra fee for seat selection.
  3. Flexibility – Basic economy tickets come with more restrictions than regular economy tickets with seat selection. For example, you might not be able to change your flight or get a refund if you need to cancel.

In conclusion, the cost of seat selection on American Airlines varies depending on the type of seat you choose and the length of your flight. While seat selection comes at a cost, it also comes with several benefits, such as more comfort and better location. If you’re considering purchasing a basic economy ticket to save money, it’s important to consider the differences between seat selection and basic economy before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about seat selection on American Airlines:

What is Seat Selection?

Seat selection is a process of choosing a seat of your choice while booking a flight ticket. Passengers can reserve their seats in advance to avoid any inconvenience at the time of boarding.

On American Airlines, you can select your seat during the booking process or manage your reservation later through the website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service.

What are the Different Types of Seats Available on American Airlines?

American Airlines offers various types of seats, including standard seats, preferred seats, main cabin extra seats, and premium seats. Each type of seat has a different level of comfort and amenities, and the cost of seat selection varies depending on the type of seat you choose.

You can check the seat map while making a reservation to see the availability and cost of each type of seat.

How Much Does it Cost to Select a Preferred Seat on American Airlines?

The cost of selecting a preferred seat on American Airlines varies depending on the route and the type of seat. On domestic flights, the cost of selecting a preferred seat starts at $15, while on international flights, it can be as high as $80 or more.

Passengers can check the exact cost of preferred seats during the booking process or by managing their reservation through the airline’s website or mobile app.

Do I Have to Pay for Seat Selection on American Airlines?

Seat selection on American Airlines is not mandatory, and passengers can choose not to select a seat. However, if you want to secure a specific seat or a seat with extra legroom, you will have to pay for seat selection.

Passengers can also get a free seat assignment during the check-in process, but the availability of seats may be limited.

Can I Change My Seat Selection on American Airlines?

Yes, passengers can change their seat selection on American Airlines by managing their reservation through the website, mobile app, or by calling the customer service. However, if you have already paid for your seat selection, you may have to pay an additional fee to change your seat.

Passengers can make changes to their seat selection up to 24 hours before the flight departure, subject to availability.

How to make GREAT seat selections on American Airlines


In conclusion, seat selection on American Airlines can vary in cost depending on a number of factors. It is important to understand these factors before making a decision on whether or not to pay for seat selection. While some passengers may find it unnecessary to pay for seat selection, others may feel that it is worth the added expense for the added comfort and convenience it provides.

Ultimately, the cost of seat selection on American Airlines will depend on a number of factors including the type of fare purchased, the length of the flight, and the chosen seat location. It is important to carefully consider these factors before making a decision on whether or not to pay for seat selection.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, understanding the cost of seat selection on American Airlines is an important part of planning your trip. By taking the time to research the cost of seat selection and understanding the factors that can affect it, you can make an informed decision that will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable flight experience.

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