Flying with American Airlines and need to change your seat selection? Maybe you found a better spot, realized you prefer an aisle to a window, or simply want to unselect your current seat to see what other options open up. Whatever your reason, navigating the process can sometimes feel like a puzzle. But don't worry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of unselecting (or changing) your seat on American Airlines, ensuring a smooth journey from booking to boarding!
How to Unselect Seats on American Airlines: Your Complete Guide
So, you've picked a seat, and now you're having second thoughts. Perhaps a better seat has opened up, or you simply want the flexibility of being assigned one at check-in. Let's get you sorted!
 |
| How To Unselect Seats On American Airlines |
Step 1: Engage with Your Itinerary – The First Click Towards Freedom!
Before we dive into the technicalities, let's connect with your flight. Do you remember your confirmation code, or are you an AAdvantage member with your trip easily accessible? Knowing this will significantly speed up the process.
Option A: Confirmation Code Ready? If you have your 6-character American Airlines confirmation code (also known as a Record Locator or PNR) and the last name of one of the passengers, you're in great shape.
Option B: AAdvantage Member? If you're logged into your AAdvantage account, your upcoming trips should be readily available under "My Trips." This is often the easiest way to manage your booking.
Ready to proceed? Let's go!
Step 2: Accessing Your Reservation – The Digital Gateway
This is where you'll get into the heart of your booking on American Airlines' platform.
Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Website
Navigate to the American Airlines Website: Open your web browser and go to
www.aa.com Find "Manage Trips / Check-in": On the homepage, look for a section usually labeled "Manage Trips," "My Trips," or "Check-in." It's typically prominently displayed.
Enter Your Details:
If you have your confirmation code, enter it in the "Confirmation Code" field, along with the "Last Name" of a passenger on the booking.
If you're an AAdvantage member, click on "Log in" and enter your AAdvantage number or username and password. Once logged in, navigate to "My Trips" or "Upcoming Trips."
Retrieve Your Trip: Click the "Find Trip" or "View Trip" button. This will pull up your flight itinerary.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
Sub-heading: Via the American Airlines Mobile App
Open the American Airlines App: Launch the official American Airlines app on your smartphone or tablet.
Access "My Trips":
If you're already logged in, your trips will likely be visible on the main screen or under a "My Trips" tab.
If not, you'll be prompted to log in with your AAdvantage credentials or enter your confirmation code and last name to find your trip.
Step 3: Locating Your Seat Selection – Pinpointing the Problem
Once you're viewing your trip details, you'll need to find the section related to seat assignments.
Identify Your Flight Segment: If your itinerary has multiple flights (e.g., a connecting flight), make sure you're looking at the correct flight segment for which you want to change or unselect your seat.
Look for "Change Seats" or "Seat Map": Within your trip details, there will typically be an option to "Change Seats," "Select Seats," or a visual "Seat Map." Click on this.
Step 4: The Unselection Process – Making Your Move
Now, for the core action: unselecting your seat. The process for "unselecting" often involves selecting no seat or a different seat.
Sub-heading: For Seats You Paid For
This is where it gets a little nuanced. If you paid for a specific seat (like a Preferred Seat or Main Cabin Extra), simply "unselecting" it without choosing another may not automatically trigger a refund. American Airlines has specific policies regarding seat refunds.
View the Seat Map: You'll see a graphical representation of the aircraft's seating arrangement. Your currently selected seat will be highlighted.
Look for an "Unselect" Option (Rare): While some airlines have an explicit "unselect" button, American Airlines usually encourages you to select a different seat. If you see an "Unselect Seat" or "Clear Seat" option, click it.
Choose a Different Seat (More Common):
If you don't see an "Unselect" option, your best bet is to try and select a free standard seat if one is available. By doing this, your paid seat would effectively be "unselected" as you've moved to a new one.
Important Note on Refunds for Paid Seats: If you paid for a seat and now want to unselect it without choosing another paid seat (or if you want a refund), you generally need to meet specific criteria for a refund. This often includes scenarios like:
American Airlines changes your flight or aircraft, and they cannot accommodate you in a comparable seat.
You upgrade to a higher cabin class (First or Business).
You cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking (if booked at least 2 days before departure).
You cancel, rebook, and buy seats on your new flight.
If your situation doesn't meet these criteria, a refund for a paid seat you simply unselect is unlikely. In such cases, if you genuinely want to leave your seat unassigned and potentially get a refund, it's best to call American Airlines directly to discuss your options.
Sub-heading: For Seats You Selected for Free
If you selected a standard seat for free during booking or later, unselecting it is generally straightforward.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
View the Seat Map: Again, you'll see the aircraft layout with your current seat highlighted.
Look for a "Clear Seat" or "Remove Selection" Option: Some interfaces might have a clear way to deselect your current choice.
Select a Blank Spot (or wait for automatic assignment): If no explicit "unselect" button is present, you can often click on your currently selected seat again, which may deselect it. Alternatively, you might be able to simply exit the seat map without making a new selection, and the system might register that you no longer have a chosen seat.
Be aware: If you unselect a free seat, you are then relying on American Airlines to assign you a seat at check-in. This could mean a less desirable seat, like a middle seat, depending on availability.
Step 5: Confirming Your Changes – Making It Official
After you've made your desired change (or unselection), it's crucial to confirm.
Click "Continue" or "Save Changes": There will be a button to finalize your selection.
Review Your Itinerary: Go back to your main trip details page and verify that your seat assignment has been updated (or removed, if that was your intention). You should see the new seat number or an indication that no seat has been assigned yet.
Check for Confirmation Email (Optional but Recommended): While not always sent for minor seat changes, sometimes American Airlines will send an updated itinerary. Keep an eye out for it.
Step 6: What if You Can't Unselect Online? – When to Call for Backup
There might be situations where the online system doesn't allow you to unselect a seat, or you need to discuss a refund for a paid seat.
Sub-heading: Contacting American Airlines Customer Service
Phone: The most direct way to get assistance is to call American Airlines customer service. You can find their contact numbers on their official website under "Contact Us" or "Customer Service." The main reservation line is +1-800-433-7300. Be prepared with your confirmation code and passenger details.
Social Media: Sometimes, reaching out via American Airlines' official Twitter or Facebook accounts can also be an effective way to get assistance, especially for simpler queries.
Airport Counter: If you are already at the airport, you can speak to an American Airlines agent at the check-in counter or gate for assistance.
Remember: Patience is key, especially when dealing with customer service. Have all your flight details ready to make the process smoother.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about American Airlines seat selection, starting with 'How to', along with quick answers:
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
How to change my seat on American Airlines after booking?
You can change your seat after booking by logging into "My Trips" on the American Airlines website or mobile app, finding your reservation, and selecting the "Change Seats" option to view the seat map and make a new selection.
How to get a refund for a paid seat on American Airlines?
Refunds for paid seats are generally issued if American Airlines changes your flight or aircraft and cannot provide a comparable seat, if you upgrade to a higher cabin class, or if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking (under specific conditions). You can request a refund online if you meet the criteria.
How to select a seat on American Airlines if I have a Basic Economy ticket?
Basic Economy tickets typically do not include free seat selection in advance. You may be able to purchase a seat or be assigned one for free at check-in (usually within 24 hours of departure). Elite status members might have more options.
How to ensure my family sits together on an American Airlines flight?
The best way to ensure your family sits together is to select seats immediately after booking, preferably during the booking process itself. If seats aren't available, keep checking the seat map closer to departure, or contact American Airlines customer service.
How to check seat availability for an American Airlines flight before booking?
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
While searching for flights on aa.com, you can often see a "Seats" link or icon next to the flight details, which allows you to preview the seat map and availability before finalizing your booking.
How to get a Main Cabin Extra seat on American Airlines?
You can purchase Main Cabin Extra seats (which offer more legroom and other benefits) during the booking process, via "My Trips" after booking, or at check-in, subject to availability. AAdvantage elite members may receive complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats.
How to select seats on an American Airlines codeshare flight (operated by another airline)?
If your American Airlines flight is operated by a partner airline (codeshare), you typically need to obtain the operating airline's confirmation number (PNR) from your American Airlines itinerary. Then, you'll use that number to manage your booking and select seats directly on the operating airline's website.
How to select seats during online check-in for American Airlines?
During online check-in (available 24 hours before departure), you will often be given a final opportunity to select or change your seat from the available options before finalizing your check-in and receiving your boarding pass.
How to know if my American Airlines ticket includes free seat selection?
The ability to select seats for free depends on your fare type and AAdvantage elite status. Standard Economy tickets often include free standard seat selection, while Basic Economy generally requires a fee or seat assignment at check-in. Higher fare classes and elite status provide more complimentary options.
How to contact American Airlines customer service for seat-related issues?
You can contact American Airlines customer service by calling their main reservations number, typically +1-800-433-7300. Alternatively, you can reach out via their official social media channels or speak to an agent at the airport.
 |
