Traveling in comfort, especially on a long flight, can make all the difference. Sometimes, a single seat just isn't enough, whether it's for extra personal space, medical reasons, or even to accommodate a delicate musical instrument. American Airlines, like many major carriers, has policies in place to allow passengers to book an extra seat. However, it's not as straightforward as simply booking two tickets online with your name on both. This detailed guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you secure the space you need for a more pleasant journey.
How to Book Two Seats for One Person on American Airlines
Are you ready to elevate your travel experience and gain that much-needed elbow room? Let's dive in!
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| How To Book Two Seats For One Person On American Airlines |
Step 1: Understand Why You Need an Extra Seat
Before you pick up the phone or open a browser, take a moment to clarify why you need an additional seat. This will help you articulate your needs clearly to American Airlines and ensure you follow the correct procedure.
For Personal Comfort/Privacy: Perhaps you simply desire more space, hate feeling cramped, or want to avoid sitting directly next to a stranger. This is the most common reason for booking an extra seat.
For Medical Reasons: If you have a medical condition that necessitates additional space, such as needing to elevate a limb or requiring more room for a medical device that cannot be checked, this is a valid reason.
For an Oversized Item (e.g., Musical Instrument): American Airlines allows certain delicate or valuable items, like musical instruments, to be transported in the cabin if they are too fragile or valuable to be checked. These items often require their own seat. Be aware of size and weight restrictions for such items; typically, they must weigh less than 165 lbs (75 kg) and fit within specific seat dimensions.
Why this matters: While the process for booking an extra seat is similar across these reasons, explaining your specific need to the airline agent can help them understand and process your request efficiently.
Step 2: The Golden Rule: Call American Airlines Reservations Directly
This is the most crucial step. Unlike standard bookings, you cannot reliably book two seats for yourself online using the American Airlines website or app. Attempting to do so by simply putting your name on two separate tickets will likely result in one of them being flagged as a duplicate and potentially canceled.
Find the Right Number: Locate the American Airlines Reservations number for your region. For general inquiries within the U.S., it's usually 1-800-433-7300. If you are outside the U.S., check the American Airlines website for the specific international contact number.
Be Prepared: Before you call, have the following information ready:
Your desired travel dates and destinations.
Your AAdvantage number (if applicable).
The specific reason you need the extra seat (comfort, medical, instrument, etc.).
Your preferred seating class (Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, etc.). Remember that the second seat must be in the same fare class as your first seat.
Any special requests or considerations.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
Step 3: Explain Your Need Clearly to the Agent
Once you connect with an American Airlines representative, clearly state that you wish to book two seats for one person.
Be Specific: For example, say: "I would like to book two adjacent seats for myself on a flight from [Departure City] to [Arrival City] on [Date] for personal comfort." Or, "I need to book an extra seat for my cello, which will be traveling with me in the cabin."
Naming Convention for the Extra Seat: The agent will use a specific naming convention for the extra seat to ensure it's not treated as a separate passenger and doesn't get canceled. This usually involves your last name followed by "EXST" (for "Extra Seat") or "EXST A," "EXST B," etc., if you need multiple extra seats. For example, if your name is John Smith, the extra seat might be booked under "SMITH/EXST." This special notation also helps TSA and gate agents understand the situation.
Link the Bookings: The agent will link the two seat bookings together under a single Passenger Name Record (PNR) if possible. This is vital for airport automation and personnel to recognize that both seats belong to you. Note: Some travel agencies or GDS systems (like Amadeus) might require a separate PNR for the extra seat, but the American Airlines agent should be able to guide you on this and ensure they are cross-referenced.
Step 4: Fare and Payment
You will be charged the applicable adult fare for the extra seat. This means you will essentially pay for two tickets.
Same Fare Class: The extra seat must be purchased at the same fare and in the same fare class as your primary seat.
Taxes and Fees: You will also be responsible for all applicable taxes and carrier-imposed fees for both seats.
AAdvantage Miles and Upgrades:
You can redeem AAdvantage miles for the second seat if you redeem miles for both seats in the same fare class.
However, you cannot earn miles on the additional seat purchase if you pay cash.
AAdvantage upgrades are generally not allowed for a purchased extra seat, but they are allowed for a cabin baggage seat (e.g., for a musical instrument). This distinction can be subtle, so confirm with the agent.
Trip Credits: American Airlines Trip Credits can be utilized to pay for extra seats.
Step 5: Seat Assignment and Check-in
Once booked, ensure you get adjacent seat assignments.
Confirm Adjacency: Double-check with the agent that the two seats assigned are indeed next to each other.
Gate Agent Notification: On the day of your flight, it is highly recommended to check in with an agent at the airport ticket counter. Inform them that you have purchased an extra seat. This ensures they are aware and don't mistakenly give your second seat away, especially if the flight is oversold.
Boarding Pass for Extra Seat: You will need to present the boarding pass for the extra seat(s) to the gate agent upon boarding.
Step 6: During the Flight
Utilize Your Space: Enjoy the extra space you've secured!
Be Prepared to Explain (Rarely): While rare, occasionally a flight attendant might inquire about the empty seat. A simple explanation that you purchased it for extra comfort or an item is usually sufficient. Since the booking is properly documented, there should be no issues.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about booking two seats for one person on American Airlines:
How to book two seats for one person for comfort on American Airlines?
Call American Airlines Reservations directly and inform them you wish to purchase an additional adjacent seat for personal comfort. They will book it under a special "EXST" (Extra Seat) designation linked to your primary ticket.
How to purchase an extra seat for a musical instrument on American Airlines?
Contact American Airlines Reservations and specify that you need to purchase an extra seat for a musical instrument. Be ready to provide the instrument's dimensions and weight to ensure it meets cabin requirements.
How to get a refund for an extra seat on American Airlines?
Refund policies for extra seats follow the purchased fare rules. In some cases, for passengers of size, if the flight departs with unsold seats, a refund for the extra seat might be available. It's best to inquire about the refund policy at the time of booking or after the flight, if applicable.
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How to ensure adjacent seats when booking two for one person on American Airlines?
When you call American Airlines Reservations to book, specifically request two adjacent seats. The agent will aim to assign them next to each other and link them in the system. Always confirm the seat assignments before ending the call.
How to earn AAdvantage miles when buying an extra seat on American Airlines?
You generally cannot earn AAdvantage miles on the cash purchase of an additional seat for comfort or personal space. However, you can redeem AAdvantage miles to pay for both your primary seat and the extra seat if both are booked in the same fare class.
How to check in with an extra seat on American Airlines?
It's recommended to check in with an agent at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel. Inform them you have purchased an extra seat, and they will verify your booking and provide you with both boarding passes.
How to deal with an oversold flight when I've booked an extra seat on American Airlines?
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Since your extra seat is a paid reservation linked to your name with a special "EXST" designation, it is treated as a confirmed booking. If a flight is oversold, your extra seat should not be given away. Always confirm with the gate agent upon arrival to prevent any misunderstandings.
How to use Trip Credits to pay for an extra seat on American Airlines?
Yes, American Airlines Trip Credits can be used to pay for extra seats. You will need to process this booking by calling American Airlines Reservations.
How to know the cost of an extra seat on American Airlines?
The cost of an extra seat will be the applicable adult fare for that flight and fare class, plus all associated taxes and carrier-imposed fees. The American Airlines agent will provide the exact cost when you call to book.
How to choose Main Cabin Extra or Premium Economy for an extra seat on American Airlines?
When you call American Airlines Reservations, you can request that both your primary seat and the extra seat be booked in Main Cabin Extra or Premium Economy. However, be aware that you will pay the higher fare associated with these cabins for both seats.
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