How much does it cost to select a seat on American Airlines?

If you booked a basic economy fare, you'll have to pay for a seat selection no matter the type of seat. In the example below, prices to choose a seat range from $9-$24 depending on which one you select. If you booked a standard economy fare, you can select any standard seat for free.



The cost to select a seat on American Airlines varies widely and depends on several factors, including your route, fare class, elite status, and the type of seat you want.

Here’s a general breakdown:

1. Basic Economy (Most Restrictive Fare)

  • Standard Seats: Seat selection is not included. You will be assigned a seat for free at check-in.
  • Paid Seat Selection: You can pay to select a standard seat in advance, typically starting around $10-$30+ per seat, per segment, but prices can be higher on popular routes.
  • Main Cabin Extra/Preferred Seats: You can pay to upgrade to these at any time.

2. Main Cabin (Standard Economy)

  • Standard Seats: Complimentary standard seat selection is included at the time of booking, though the available free seats may be limited to middle or rear sections.
  • Preferred Seats: Seats with better location (often closer to the front) usually cost extra. Prices typically range from $10 to $30+ each way.
  • Main Cabin Extra: These are seats with extra legroom (3-6 inches more). Prices vary significantly by route and demand, often ranging from $20 to $100+ per flight segment.

3. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class

  • Seat selection is always included in the fare for these cabins at no extra charge.

4. AAdvantage Elite Status Members

  • Complimentary Benefits: Elite members (Gold and above) and certain credit card holders (e.g

People Also Ask

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.

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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.

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Main cabin isn't always the cheapest way to fly on American Airlines — as you may be able to save by booking a basic economy ticket. However, it might be worth paying a little more to get the flexibility to change or cancel your flight, select your seat and avoid being in the last boarding group.

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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.

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If you're unable to choose seats, don't want to pay for seats, or chose a Basic Economy fare, our system will detect that you're a family traveling. The system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure.

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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.

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Our lowest Main Cabin fare around the world Book a Basic Economy fare to get our lowest price. There are some restrictions, but you'll still enjoy a comfortable seat in the Main Cabin, free snacks, soft drinks and inflight entertainment. Basic Economy fares cannot be combined with other fare types.

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British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will allow you to select a seat free of charge. Easyjet, Emirates, Norwegian, Jet2 and Ryanair say you'll be allocated a suitable seat free of charge.

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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.

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What is an airline seat selection fee? A seat selection fee allows you to reserve a seat in your class of service. Each airline ticket comes with a confirmed seat, but if you want to choose your seat location, most domestic airlines will charge an additional fee.

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Upgrade with AAdvantage miles For domestic flights within the 48 contiguous states, an upgrade from discount economy to premium economy will cost 15,000 AAdvantage miles plus $75. On long international flights, that same discount-to-premium economy upgrade could cost you 25,000 miles plus $350.

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AAdvantage® status members can upgrade from Basic Economy fares for themselves plus 1 companion traveling on the same flight, if they bought their ticket at least 24 hours before departure.

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Complimentary drinks and snacks We offer fresh coffee, tea, juice, water and soft drinks, as well as complimentary snacks on flights over 250 miles.

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With most airlines, there's no difference between the actual seats in the main cabin versus basic economy. But the policies outside of your seats — like how much luggage you can bring and how easy (and cheaply) you can change your flights — can be significantly different.

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