What is the difference between main cabin and main cabin preferred?
Preferred seats are those in the Main Cabin that have more favorable locations, such as closer proximity to the boarding areas for greater ease when boarding or disembarking the plane.
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Preferred seats are regular seats, just typically closer to the front of the plane. If you already have seat assignments together, there is ZERO reason to pay for preferred. Often, because AA designates so many seats as preferred (sometimes nearly all aisle seats), a non-elite can be forced into buying it.
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.
Basic Economy tickets also can't be changed or refunded, so only buy this type of ticket if your travel plans are firm. Main Cabin tickets allow you to choose your seats right away, and they offer travelers the most flexibility in case your plans change. They typically cost $10 to $20 more than Basic Economy seats.
If you want to experience as little turbulence as possible, it is best to book a seat above the wings. It has been proven that turbulence is least noticeable there. Another good choice is a seat in the front of the plane, as vibrations are also less noticeable there than in the back.
Best seat for minimizing the effects of turbulence: A seat over the wing. Best seat for peace and quiet: A seat near the front. Best seat for legroom: A bulkhead or exit-row seat. Best seat for sleeping: A window seat in a bulkhead row.
The rationale given to frequent fliers is that by charging average fliers for these seats, the airlines can keep more seats for their best customers. Presumably, these seats, while not as good as “Economy Plus,” will still be better than being stuck in the very back of the plane.
Seats that are not designated as Main Cabin Extra, exit row, Preferred seats, or Premium Economy are considered standard economy seats — these are the most ubiquitous seats you'll find on the aircraft and are also the least desirable.
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.
Bulkhead seatsThe bulkhead is essentially the wall that separates one plane cabin from another, and the seats here have extra legroom since there's no other seat in front of them. Bulkhead seating can either be at the front of each cabin or at the front of flights that offer a business class.
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.
The most reliable way of getting upgraded for free is to have elite status on the airline you're flying. Most airlines reward their most frequent flyers with complimentary upgrades on domestic routes.
If the seat is available, the passenger pays for the upgrade on the flight. So while you shouldn't expect a free upgrade on a flight, you can still ask for upgrades from booking till boarding — and you may be able to pay your way to a much more comfortable seat.