Does American Airlines charge for seat selection?

Your seats You can choose a specific seat at any time for a fee. AAdvantage® members can choose complimentary seats based on their status. Otherwise, seats will be automatically assigned for free at check-in. We cannot guarantee that companions on the same ticket will be seated together.



People Also Ask

The cost to select a seat on American Airlines ranges from free — for standard seats except when booking basic economy fares — to over $160 for an extra-legroom seat on a long-haul international flight.

MORE DETAILS

You can choose a specific seat at any time for a fee (complimentary for AAdvantage® members based on your status). Otherwise, seats will be automatically assigned for free at check-in. We can't guarantee that you'll be seated together.

MORE DETAILS

Just say no. Within 24 hours of your departure, the airline will assign you a seat. Pro tip: If you want to avoid paying for a seat assignment, arrive at the airport early. That way, you'll have the pick of the unassigned seats.

MORE DETAILS

In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.

MORE DETAILS

Your seats You can choose a specific seat at any time for a fee. AAdvantage® members can choose complimentary seats based on their status. Otherwise, seats will be automatically assigned for free at check-in. We cannot guarantee that companions on the same ticket will be seated together.

MORE DETAILS

For all fare classes, except Basic Economy, you will be able to pick your seat or change your seat assignment. If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you're able to purchase a seat assignment during booking and up until check-in opens. Learn more about Basic Economy restrictions.

MORE DETAILS

After you finish booking your flight (or during the process, depending on the airline), you should click to view the seat map and make your pick. If you book your flight with friends or family members on the same reservation, they will likely be assigned seats nearby automatically.

MORE DETAILS

Here are some guidelines:
  1. Avoid the middle seat. The best seats are the window or aisle seats toward the front of the plane. ...
  2. Sit over the wing. Sitting over the wing may help you feel less turbulence.
  3. Choose emergency exit rows. ...
  4. Take a seat in the first row.


MORE DETAILS

Preferred seats don't receive any extra legroom, but they are in better locations of the Main Cabin that are closer to the front of the plane, allowing you to access your seat quicker when boarding and exit more quickly when getting off.

MORE DETAILS

American Airlines is considered to be a safe airline and has excellent mileage redemption options. It offers flights to many destinations worldwide and has a variety of ticket types for travelers of all budgets. Before booking a ticket, be sure to join the AAdvantage loyalty program for added benefits.

MORE DETAILS

Basic economy fares are cheaper than main cabin. However, you lose out on flexibility for flight changes and/or cancellations, seat selection options and the ability to earn miles at a high rate.

MORE DETAILS

American Airlines bag fees Unless you have elite status or an American Airlines credit card that offers free checked bags, those traveling only within the U.S. can expect to pay $30 per checked bag each way. That fee could be higher if you check more bags or are traveling further abroad.

MORE DETAILS

Exit rows, aisle or window seats, and anywhere close to the front are typically considered the best seats on a plane. On a short business trip, you might want an aisle seat near the front of the plane so you can debark as quickly as possible on arrival.

MORE DETAILS