Feeling a bit cramped lately on flights? Wish you had just a little more room to stretch out, or maybe a dedicated space for your carry-on without battling for overhead bin real estate? Perhaps you're traveling with a sensitive item, or simply desire a more comfortable and private experience. Whatever your reason, purchasing an extra seat on American Airlines can be a fantastic solution.
This isn't just about luxury; it's about comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide on how to make that extra space your reality on your next American Airlines journey.
Your Journey to More Space: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Define Your "Why" – Why Do You Need That Extra Seat?
Before you even think about hitting the "book" button, take a moment to consider why you need an extra seat. This will influence how you approach the booking process and what kind of extra seat might be best for you.
For Personal Comfort/Size: If you require extra space for your own comfort or because you are a passenger of size and cannot comfortably fit within a single seat with the armrests down, this is a common and understandable reason. American Airlines does have policies in place to accommodate passengers who need more space.
For Carry-on Items/Valuables: Do you have a delicate musical instrument, a valuable piece of art, or perhaps important documents that absolutely cannot go in the overhead bin or checked luggage? An extra seat can provide a secure, dedicated space for such items.
For Privacy/Social Distancing: In today's world, some travelers simply prefer the added personal space and a buffer from other passengers.
For Medical Equipment: Certain medical devices might necessitate an adjacent seat for proper placement and access during the flight.
Understanding your primary motivation will help you communicate your needs clearly if you need to speak with American Airlines directly.
Step 2: Choosing Your Extra Seat Type – Main Cabin Extra vs. Dedicated Extra Seat
American Airlines offers a few ways to get more space, and it's important to understand the distinction:
Sub-heading: Main Cabin Extra – The Legroom & Early Boarding Boost
Main Cabin Extra seats are standard economy seats located at the front of the Main Cabin or in exit rows, offering increased legroom and sometimes earlier boarding (Group 5). These are great if your primary need is more space to stretch your legs and quicker access to overhead bins.
How to Book Main Cabin Extra:
During Initial Booking: When you're selecting your seats on aa.com or the American Airlines app after choosing your flight, look for seats marked with the "Main Cabin Extra" icon. They will typically have an associated fee.
After Booking: If you've already booked your flight, you can still add Main Cabin Extra.
Online: Go to "Manage Trip" on aa.com or the American Airlines app, retrieve your reservation, and look for the option to "Change Seats" or "Upgrade."
Through Reservations: You can call American Airlines Reservations (more on this in Step 3) to add Main Cabin Extra to your existing booking.
At the Airport: You can purchase Main Cabin Extra at an airport self-service kiosk or at the ticket counter, though availability may be limited.
Important Considerations for Main Cabin Extra:
Availability: These seats are subject to availability and can sell out, especially on popular routes.
Cost: Prices vary based on the flight length, seat location (window/aisle usually more than middle), and demand. They start from around $20 and can go significantly higher.
Basic Economy Restrictions: If you've purchased a Basic Economy ticket, while you can still buy Main Cabin Extra, some Basic Economy restrictions (like boarding group) may still apply.
AAdvantage Elite Status: AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, Platinum Pro®, and Platinum® members often get complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra seats at the time of booking. AAdvantage Gold® elites get complimentary access within 24 hours of departure.
Sub-heading: Purchasing a Dedicated Extra Seat for Yourself or an Item
This is where you're actually buying a second ticket for an empty seat next to you. This is the ideal option if you need:
Significantly more space for comfort due to your size.
A dedicated, secure space for a valuable or fragile item that needs to be seated.
Key Difference from Main Cabin Extra: You are purchasing a separate fare for the additional seat, not just an upgrade to a specific type of seat. This generally means paying the full fare for that second seat.
Step 3: The Booking Process – Online or Over the Phone?
While booking an extra seat for yourself (as in, a dedicated second ticket) might seem straightforward, American Airlines typically recommends or even requires you to book this type of extra seat over the phone.
Sub-heading: Highly Recommended: Calling American Airlines Reservations
For a dedicated extra seat, calling American Airlines Reservations is the most reliable and recommended method. This ensures that the second seat is properly linked to your reservation and recognized as an "extra seat for comfort" or "extra seat for an item."
Gather Your Information: Before calling, have your travel dates, desired flight numbers, and personal details ready.
Call American Airlines Reservations:
Within the U.S.: Dial 1-800-433-7300.
International: Visit the American Airlines website for worldwide phone numbers specific to your region.
State Your Intent Clearly: When you connect with a representative, clearly explain that you wish to purchase an extra seat for yourself or for an item.
For personal comfort: State that you require an additional seat for your comfort and safety due to your size.
For an item: Specify what kind of item it is (e.g., "a musical instrument that needs its own seat") to help them understand your needs.
Confirm Adjacent Seating: Crucially, confirm with the agent that the two seats will be adjacent to each other and that they will be booked under your name with a notation indicating it's an extra seat (American Airlines may use a special designation like "EXST" or "XS" in the middle name field for the second ticket).
Fare and Class: The agent will help you book the second seat in the same fare class as your primary ticket. Be prepared to pay the full fare for this second seat.
Payment and Confirmation: Provide your payment information and ensure you receive a confirmation for both tickets, clearly showing they are linked.
AAdvantage Miles: While you can sometimes redeem AAdvantage miles for the second seat (if you're redeeming for both seats), you generally cannot earn miles on the purchase of an additional seat, even if paid in cash.
Sub-heading: Online Booking – A Trickier Path (Generally Not Recommended for Dedicated Extra Seats)
While some other airlines have more streamlined online processes for booking a dedicated extra seat, American Airlines' policy for this specific scenario often steers you towards a phone booking for proper handling.
Why it's Tricky Online: If you simply book two separate tickets with your name, the system might flag it as a duplicate booking. If you try to book a second ticket under a fictitious name, you might run into issues at check-in. The airline needs to know that both seats are for one individual or one individual and their special item.
Main Cabin Extra is different: As mentioned, Main Cabin Extra can be purchased online as it's an upgrade to an existing seat, not a separate ticket for an entirely new seat.
Step 4: Pre-Flight Preparations – Ensuring a Smooth Journey
Once your extra seat is booked, there are a few things you can do to ensure a hassle-free travel day:
Sub-heading: Reconfirm Your Reservation
A few days before your flight, call American Airlines again to reconfirm both of your seat assignments and ensure the extra seat is properly noted on your reservation. This is especially important if you booked over the phone, as it provides an extra layer of assurance.
Sub-heading: Check-in Strategy
Online Check-in: Attempt to check in online. If the system recognizes both seats correctly, you should be able to complete the process.
Airport Check-in: If you encounter any issues during online check-in, or if you prefer, go to the American Airlines check-in counter at the airport. Inform the agent immediately that you have purchased an extra seat. They can verify your booking and ensure everything is in order.
Do not wait until the gate to address any issues with your extra seat.
Sub-heading: At the Gate and Onboard
Gate Agent: When you arrive at the gate, politely speak with the gate agent to confirm your extra seat. This is particularly crucial if the flight appears full, or if there's any ambiguity in your boarding pass regarding the second seat.
Boarding: Enjoy the benefit of your extra space! If you have an item in the extra seat, make sure it's properly secured according to crew instructions.
Step 5: Refunds for Extra Seats (Specific Cases)
American Airlines has policies regarding refunds for extra seats, especially for passengers of size.
Passenger of Size Policy: If you purchase an extra seat due to your size, American Airlines may offer a refund for the second seat if the flight departs with an empty adjacent seat that could have accommodated you. This is not guaranteed and depends on availability. It's always best to inquire about this possibility when you book the extra seat. You'll typically need to request this refund after your flight.
Refund Request Process: If you believe you are eligible for a refund, you'll need to contact American Airlines Customer Relations after your travel is complete. Be prepared to provide your reservation details and explain the circumstances.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some quick answers to common questions about securing extra space on American Airlines:
How to get more legroom on American Airlines? You can purchase Main Cabin Extra seats, which offer increased legroom, either during booking, through "Manage Trip" online, via the mobile app, or by calling American Airlines Reservations.
How to ensure an empty seat next to me on American Airlines? The most reliable way to ensure an empty seat next to you is to purchase an extra seat by calling American Airlines Reservations and booking a second ticket in your name for the adjacent seat.
How to book two seats for one person on American Airlines? You generally need to call American Airlines Reservations (1-800-433-7300) and explicitly state that you wish to book two adjacent seats for one person, whether for comfort or for a special item.
How to fly with a musical instrument that needs its own seat on American Airlines? You must purchase an extra seat for the instrument. Call American Airlines Reservations to book a separate ticket for the instrument, ensuring it's noted as an "extra seat for an instrument." Make sure the instrument and its case meet size and weight requirements for cabin seating.
How to check if I can get a refund for an extra seat due to my size on American Airlines? Inquire about American Airlines' "passenger of size" policy when you book the extra seat over the phone. A refund may be possible if the flight departs with an available empty adjacent seat that could have accommodated you. You typically request this refund after your flight.
How to use AAdvantage miles to pay for an extra seat on American Airlines? You can generally redeem AAdvantage miles for the second seat if you are redeeming miles for both seats in the same fare class. It's best to discuss this option directly with an American Airlines Reservations agent.
How to contact American Airlines customer service for special seating requests? You can contact American Airlines Reservations by calling 1-800-433-7300 within the U.S. or by finding your country's specific number on the American Airlines website.
How to know if Main Cabin Extra is worth it for my American Airlines flight? Consider the length of your flight and your personal need for legroom. For short flights, it might not be worth the cost, but for longer journeys, the extra space can significantly improve comfort. Check the price for your specific flight.
How to guarantee adjacent seats when purchasing an extra seat on American Airlines? When booking over the phone, explicitly state to the agent that you need two adjacent seats for your reservation. The agent will confirm this arrangement and ensure the booking reflects it.
How to check in for a flight with an extra seat on American Airlines? You can attempt online check-in. If you encounter any issues, or for peace of mind, check in at the American Airlines counter at the airport and inform the agent that you have purchased an extra seat.
