Is it worth it to upgrade to main cabin AA?

American Airlines Main Cabin Extra is far from the most luxurious seat that the airline offers. However, perks like extra legroom, earlier boarding, guaranteed overhead bin space and an alcoholic drink will likely make your overall economy experience more pleasant.



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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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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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If you've already booked your flight, you can still buy a Main Cabin Extra seat. If you bought a Basic Economy ticket, boarding restrictions still apply. AAdvantage® members can now use miles to reserve Main Cabin Extra seats.

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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.

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Passengers seated in Main Cabin Extra now enjoy a complimentary alcoholic drink during their flight, providing an added element of luxury to their travel experience.

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If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option. You may even get lucky and score a free upgrade.

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Economy Plus and upgrades: Travelers with Basic Economy fares are only eligible to purchase Economy Plus seating at check-in and are not eligible to purchase premium cabin upgrades, use their Economy Plus subscription benefits or purchase United Travel Options packages.

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Basic Economy fares – only AAdvantage® status members can upgrade from Basic Economy fares.

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Premium Economy is the middle ground between Main Cabin and business class. Here, you'll find seats similar to first class on domestic flights, which are larger leather recliners. With seats in a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 configuration, this cabin provides more legroom, recline space, and amenities than the economy cabin.

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Whether moving from economy class to first class, business class to first class or economy class to business class, an upgrade can certainly be a nice perk to ease a long plane ride.

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American Airlines seats can generally be selected during booking or after booking your flight. However, you'll need to avoid basic economy fares to get free seat selection. And you'll only get free preferred or extra-legroom seat selection if you have elite status or use miles to pay the fee.

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American Airlines upgrades with miles Depending on the fare class, you might have to pay for an upgrade in both miles and cash. For example, if you bought a discount economy ticket on a domestic flight, you'll pay 15,000 miles plus $75 to upgrade to the next class of service.

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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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Status members: Upgrade your experience If space is available, AAdvantage® status members will automatically receive a complimentary upgrade: From any eligible purchased, published fare in the Main Cabin or Premium Economy to the next class of service (Business or domestic First)

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It depends on a variety of factors, including the airline, the route, the time of year, and the availability of seats. In some cases, upgrading at the airport can be a cost-effective way to experience Business Class perks without paying full price. In other cases, it may end up being more expensive.

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Basic Economy, Economy, and Comfort Plus are all main cabin seats, while First Class, Premium Select, and Delta One® are premium cabin experiences.

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