A customer must be able to safely and comfortably fit in a single seat, or if not, is required to purchase an additional seat for each leg of their itinerary. The second seat may be purchased for the same fare as the original seat, provided it is purchased at the same time.

Yes, American Airlines allows you to purchase an "Extra Seat" for yourself (often called a "Comfort Seat" or "Passenger in Need of Extra Space"). This is a common practice for passengers who want additional physical space, those traveling with large musical instruments, or those who simply value privacy. To book this, you must call American Airlines reservations directly, as you cannot easily book two seats for one person through the standard website. The second seat is typically charged at the current fare rate but without the extra security fees or taxes that are per-person (though you still pay the base ticket taxes). When you check in at the airport, both seats will be under your name, with the second seat often designated as "EXTRASEAT [Your Last Name]." This ensures that the seat remains empty even if the flight is overbooked. In 2026, American Airlines continues to emphasize that if a passenger physically "encroaches" on the adjacent seat, they must have an extra seat or risk being rebooked on a later flight. By purchasing it in advance, you guarantee your comfort and avoid any "on-board" seating conflicts with other passengers.