how do i get my seat assignment on american airlines

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The Guide to American Airlines Seat Selection

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American Airlines seat selection fee

How to select seats on american airlines flights, how to avoid paying american airlines seat selection fees, when can you get a refund of american airlines seat selection fees, final thoughts on american airlines seat selection.

Seat selection is complimentary for many seats on most American Airlines tickets. However, as you can tell by that convoluted sentence, American Airlines seat selection isn't free for all passengers.

So, how much does American Airlines charge for seat selection? We’ll answer this question and explain how you can avoid paying an American Airlines seat selection fee.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

The cost to select a seat on American Airlines ranges from free — for standard seats except when booking basic economy fares — to over $160 for an extra-legroom seat on a long-haul international flight.

American Airlines seat selection fees vary based on several factors — including the flight length and what type of seat you want. Window and aisle seats are generally the most expensive. Meanwhile, a middle seat in between two preferred seats might not cost anything.

» Learn more: The complete guide to American Airlines partners

American Airlines travelers can select seats during the flight booking process or after purchasing a flight. If you're just starting a flight search, we recommend logging into your AAdvantage account first. That way your information will be auto-filled, and you'll be able to maximize any frequent flyer perks you have. More about that below.

Say you want to travel from Denver to London. First, you'll need to select your flights. During the search process, you can preview available seats by selecting the "seats" link in the search results. This can give you an idea of the number of available seats for your group. However, the price for selecting seats won't be listed yet.

After selecting your flights, reviewing fare upgrade options, entering your information and declining the option to buy miles, you'll finally be able to select seats for your flight.

If you booked a basic economy fare , you'll have to pay for a seat selection no matter the type of seat. In the example below, prices to choose a seat range from $9-$24 depending on which one you select.

If you booked a standard economy fare, you can select any standard seat for free. Or you can pay for preferred and extra-legroom seats — in this example, the cost ranges from $10-$22 for a preferred or Main Cabin Extra seat.

You won't be able to select seats on flights operated by partner airlines — even if the flight has an American Airlines flight number. Instead, you'll have to complete the booking to get the partner confirmation number (also referred to as a PNR or record locator). Then, you can contact that airline for seat assignment.

If you booked an American Airlines flight through another airline, you’ll need your American Airlines confirmation number. Once you have this, head to the American Airlines homepage and click the "manage trips/check-in" tab.

Enter your last name and the confirmation number to find your trip. Then, you'll see your seat selection options.

The most reliable way to avoid paying a seat selection fee is to have elite status through American Airlines or through an eligible partner airline, such as Alaska Airlines or British Airways . Additionally, you can redeem AAdvantage miles to pay seat selection fees.

Preferred Seating

All tiers of AAdvantage elite status get complimentary access to preferred seating — standard-legroom seating in preferred areas of the cabin — from the time of booking. Similarly, elite members of oneworld Alliance partner airlines get complimentary access to preferred seating on American Airlines, even at the lowest Ruby tier.

Main Cabin Extra

In addition to extra legroom, Main Cabin Extra seats also grant travelers early boarding and complimentary snacks and drinks — including beer, wine and spirits.

AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum elites get complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra seats from the time of booking. Gold elites can select Main Cabin Extra seats free of charge within 24 hours of departure.

Similarly, Alaska MVP Gold, Gold 75k and Gold 100k elite members can select Main Cabin Extra seats from the time of booking. Alaska MVP members must wait until 24 hours before departure to select Main Cabin Extra seats for free. However, basic economy fares aren't eligible for this benefit.

» Learn more: The guide to American Airlines elite status

Using AAdvantage miles

If you can't use elite status to avoid American Airlines seat selection fees, you may be able to redeem AAdvantage miles to pay for them. Like the cash cost, the mileage cost depends on factors such as the length of the flight and the location of the seat in the cabin.

The redemption rate for seat selection fees is typically about 1 cent per mile. That's not a great rate. NerdWallet values American Airlines miles at 1.7 cents each. Still, this could be an appealing redemption option if your mileage balance is too low to redeem miles for flights.

You'll need to have enough AAdvantage miles in your account to cover the entire cost of the seat selection fees. Otherwise, you'll either need to select a seat that costs fewer miles or buy more miles. Travelers don't have the ability to buy a single seat with a combination of miles and cash.

» Learn more: Easiest ways redeem American Airlines miles

Upgrading to a Main Plus ticket

Travelers who pay for a Main Plus ticket get complimentary access to preferred and Main Cabin Extra seats. This option isn't free. However, the extra cost may be worth it to get an extra checked bag, preferred boarding and complimentary seat selection.

American Airlines seat selection fees are generally nonrefundable. However, you can get a refund of your seat selection fees in a few specific situations.

For example, American Airlines will refund your seat selection fees if you opt to upgrade to business or first class, pay more for another seat on the same flight, cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking (if you booked at least two days before departure) or cancel your flight and purchase seats on a rebooked flight.

You'll also get a refund when American Airlines cancels your flight — or if American delays your flight long enough to miss a connecting flight on which you purchased seats — and doesn't provide a comparable seat on the new flight.

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.

If you’re having trouble making your American Airlines seat selection, check to see if your flight is operated by a partner airline. If so, you'll need to retrieve the confirmation code for that airline and contact the airline to choose a seat.

(Top photo courtesy of American Airlines)

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How to get seat assignment on Alaska when booked through AA?

I booked a flight for my wife and I using my AAdvantage points on Alaska from MEX-LAX-SFO. Through the AA website, there is no way to select seats for Alaska Airlines. Now I'm afraid that the two of us will be stuck in middle seats in different rows.

Is there a way to be able to select our seats before the flight?

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When booking, it says to contact British Airways for a seat assignment. Does anyone know if they will honor the terms with AA? The type of fare we're booking includes seats. Since it's being operated under a different airlines do we no longer get seat choices?

However I'd also price the flight on BA's website; it will probably be the same price (or maybe even cheaper) and you won't have to go through the rigmarole of getting the BA locator; you'll have it right from the outset.

It's more expensive through BA, at least $100 more per person.

“It's more expensive through BA, at least $100 more per person.“

BA does not charge for seat choice in Business (Club world)

Post 8 - yes it does.

“BA does not charge for seat choice in Business (Club world)”

If you have the appropriate BA or Oneworld status then this may be true, also for flexible bookings.

Seats in any cabin can also be selected free of charge from between 24-48 hours before departure depending on ticket type and destination. Excludes economy basic fares.

If I don't want to pay to choose my seats what makes you think I am going to pay for business class? haha! But thank you for the suggestion.

I didn't mean for that to sound snarky! I was just teasing.

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Yes, Airlines Do Have the Right to Change Your Seat Without Warning

Here's what to do when it happens.

When right-wing pundit Ann Coulter resorted to complaining on Twitter about having her seat moved on a 2017 Delta flight, she gave the world a golden example of how not to behave.

Perhaps she wasn’t fully aware of her rights — or the airline’s — but the tweetstorm that unfolded reminds us why it’s always important to know your rights as a passenger.

When you purchase an airline seat, you are required to acknowledge that you agree to the contract of carriage, a legally binding agreement between you and the airline, usually by checking a box next to the phrase “I agree to the terms and conditions of the contract of carriage” or some variation thereof.

Delta’s contract of carriage states : “Delta may substitute alternate Carriers or aircraft, change its schedules, delay or cancel flights, change seat assignments, and alter or omit stopping places shown on the ticket as required by its operations in Delta’s sole discretion.”

When you buy a plane ticket, the airline is only obligated to get you from point A to point B. Everything else that comes with it (reserved seating, overhead bin space, baggage allowance, and food and beverage service) is at the discretion of the airline. Because you’re not buying an actual seat — you’re purchasing transportation.

What to Do When an Airline Moves Your Seat

When you’re asked by a flight attendant or gate agent to change seats, it’s usually to help families sit together, allow caregivers to sit next to patients, or accommodate an air marshal or other airline employee. They also might ask you to move for safety reasons or to help redistribute the weight balance of the aircraft, especially on smaller planes.

If it happens to you, respond politely and graciously. Over the years, I’ve been asked countless times to move seats and have done so without complaining. Nearly every time, the flight attendant thanked me for my willingness to be flexible with free bottles of wine or a snack.

Margot Cavin/Travel + Leisure

Your Boarding Pass Is Your Assigned Seat

If a gate agent comes onboard and hands you a new boarding pass, that is the seat you are required to sit in, regardless of how much you paid for your ticket or the class of service you purchased. The gate agent has supreme power of seating assignments for every flight and dictates who sits where. If they ask you to move, do it.

You May Be Entitled to a Refund

If you’re downgraded from a seat with extra legroom to a regular economy seat, the airline will reimburse you the difference. In Coulter’s case, Delta refunded her the $30 extra fee she paid for the Delta Comfort+ seat that was given to another passenger.

The contract of carriage for American Airlines , as another example, states that you can request a refund for a variety of reasons , including getting re-booked on a flight that causes you to miss a connection, or if you get moved from a preferred seat to a non-preferred seat or a preferred aisle/window seat to a preferred middle seat. Those “preferred” seats refer to the coveted seats near the front of the economy cabin or in emergency exit rows that typically cost extra.

If your seat gets moved and you feel you are owed a refund, contact the airline’s customer service department to request one.

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What You Get Flying American Airlines Basic Economy (& How to Beat It)

Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. A professional journalist, he joined the comp...

Whether you're planning a domestic trip, vacationing in the Caribbean, heading to Europe, or flying all the way to Australia, basic economy fares have become nearly unavoidable. But every airline handles these no-frills fares a bit differently: What you get (and what you don't) can vary wildly.

Now it's time for a look at American Airlines basic economy.

Like many airlines, the American Airlines basic economy fare is the carrier's lowest-priced fare class. But the lower price comes at a cost: You give up free seat selection, earning some (though not all) American AAdvantage miles, and most importantly, the ability to change or cancel your ticket for free if plans change – or if prices drop. In fact, these cheaper fares have gotten even worse with even higher charges to check luggage on some ultra-long-haul flights.

But just what restrictions come with flying American Airlines basic economy? What kind of baggage can you bring, when can you board, and what mileage will you earn? Keep reading.

What You Get with American Airlines Basic Economy

What routes have basic economy fares, get a free checked bag and priority boarding with american co-branded credit cards, pay for a seat assignment, or get an even better seat for free.

When American Airlines first rolled out its basic economy offering years back, it was one of the worst in the skies.

It was so restrictive that, like United basic economy , you couldn't even bring a carry-on bag on board with you – just a backpack. And there was no way to pick a seat, for free or whether you paid up.

Luckily, that has changed as years ago, American relaxed its carry-on baggage restriction , allowing travelers to stow a bag overhead when buying basic economy tickets. And while AA made a handful of improvements to its basic economy fares throughout the pandemic, there have been some recent changes that aren't so good.

Here's a current look at what you get with an AA basic economy ticket:

• Baggage: Board basic economy with a carry-on bag and personal item for free; $35 each way for a checked bag when you pay online (or $75 each way to Europe and other ultra-long-haul destinations like Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel).
• Seat Selection: Available for a fee at time of booking, typically starting at $9 or 10 each way. Otherwise, seats are automatically assigned.
• Boarding:  Final boarding group (Group 9).
• Earning AAdvantage Miles: Yes, you will earn American Airlines AAdvantage award miles at a rate of 2x miles per dollar, which is significantly less when compared to earning at least 5x points per dollar with an AA main cabin economy fare.
• Earning Status: Yes, but you'll only earn 2x Loyalty Points per dollar compared to at least 5x points per dollar with a main cabin economy fare.
• Upgrades: Yes, American basic economy fares are eligible for paid upgrades as well as complimentary upgrades with AAdvantage elite status.
• Ticket Changes and Cancellation: You can only cancel for a full refund within 24 hours of booking. Otherwise, AAdvantage members who book basic economy can cancel roundtrip domestic flights for a credit, minus a $99 fee. International basic economy fares cannot be canceled, period.

As you can see, American practically begs you to skip a basic economy fare and instead opt for a standard main cabin fare. This kind of upsell effort is common across the major airlines: The entire point is to draw you in with a cheaper fare, then hit you a bunch of restrictions designed to upsell you to a pricier main cabin economy fare. And while the price tag can vary, you can typically count on paying an additional $30 to $35 each way to avoid basic economy on a domestic flight – and much, much more when traveling internationally.

It's not all good news. American Airlines has begun hiding these bare-bones fares under the cover of a regular “Main” cabin ticket in its search results  online at AA.com and on its smartphone app.

So while you'll initially see a $337 price tag on this roundtrip flight from Phoenix (PHX) to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) explicitly labeled as a main cabin ticket, click through and you'll see that's for an  American Airlines basic economy  fare – that better main cabin fare actually costs another $60.

On the bright side, American has made basic economy slightly less painful over the years by allowing travelers to purchase a seat assignment right away. Previously, you had to wait until seven days before your flight. Now, you can pay up for a seat assignment when you're booking your flight. And best of all, the fees to pick a seat (and avoid getting assigned a dreaded middle seat) are typically reasonable, starting around $9 to $10. 

And for years, American basic fares were among the worst because could not be changed nor canceled, period.  They've gotten some flexibility back thanks to recent changes from AA , but with some major caveats:

• Only domestic basic economy fares qualify for cancellations. International fares still cannot be canceled for a travel credit
• You must have booked with your AAdvantage account directly through American – not through a third-party site or travel platform
• You'll forfeit $99. So if you paid $299 for a roundtrip basic economy ticket to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), you'll only get a $200 travel credit if you cancel

American has made a slew of other negative changes to these fares in recent years that make them even more painful, including:

• As of 2023, you'll now earn just 2x AAdvantage miles for every dollar you spend on your American basic economy fare – down from 5x miles per dollar previously. Same goes for earning AA Loyalty Points to build status with the airline.
• American also now charges $75 each way to bring a checked bag on flights to Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel.

Read more:  What You Get with Basic Economy Fares (& Why You Should Avoid Them)

Whether you're flying to Austin (AUS) or all the way to Australia, you may see basic economy fares across the globe searching with American now.

American Airlines basic economy has been rolled out on routes heading to all the following locations:

• U.S. domestic fares
• Mexico and Central America
• The Caribbean
• South America
• Middle East
• Australia & New Zealand

But just because AA basic economy fares exist on these routes doesn't mean you'll always see them. Throughout the pandemic, we've seen American Airlines stop selling its pesky basic fares on many routes – especially within the U.S.

That has changed in recent months, as basic economy has returned to most domestic flights and even many long-haul destinations. But you might get lucky and miss out on basic economy altogether. Trust us: That's a win for travelers.

How to Beat American Airlines Basic Economy

Basic economy is a pain no matter what airline you're flying. But flying American Airlines basic economy can be a little less painful with the right strategies – and the right cards in your wallet.

Co-branded airline credit cards can be a powerful weapon to beat basic economy on any carrier. And with American, you’ve got two options that give you identical benefits.

The  Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®   and the  AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® both get you a free checked bag on any domestic AA flight – along with up to four other travelers booked on the same itinerary. But let us stress: This free baggage benefit only applies to domestic flights.

And unlike some other airline co-branded cards, you don’t need to actually pay for your flight with the card to get the benefit. It automatically applies once the card is attached to your AAdvantage account.

That’s huge, as checked bags cost at least $35 each way for domestic flights  within the U.S. The  Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard ‘s annual fee of $99 is waived for the first year, which means you have a full year to take advantage of free baggage before paying a single annual fee.  

Click Here to learn more about the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard’s  annual fee of $99 isn’t waived for the first year. But even at that price, it could pay for itself after checking bags on just two round-trip flights each year.  

Click Here  to apply for the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard  (this is not an affiliate link)  

But if you’re  living the carry-on life , you may need overhead bin space, too. And considering basic economy fares on American board in the final Group 9, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it. Both co-branded cards also move you all the way up to Group 5  even when flying basic economy.  

No one wants to get stuck in a dreaded middle seat. On paper, American Airlines basic economy could leave you stuck there, as you don't get free seat assignment.

But there are two ways you can get the seat you want flying AA basic economy. One will cost you a bit extra, while the other strategy could help you score an extra legroom seat … for free.

American allows even basic economy flyers pay extra for a seat, starting right when you book your flights. The American Airlines seat selection fee will vary widely by flight, but they’re pretty reasonable: The fee for a seat typically starts at $10 or $12 for a middle seat and just a few bucks more for an aisle or window seat. Seats closer to the front of the plane will generally cost more than those at the rear.  

Just beware that if your basic economy fare isn’t a nonstop flight, you’ll have to pay separately for each segment of the trip.

But don’t count on getting a better seat for free by talking to a gate agent shortly before departure – a favorite trick among frequent flyers.  Y ou still have to pay up to move to a better, empty seat before boarding.  Of course, this may vary by agent. And if your flight is full, you’re out of luck.

So if you want to ensure you're not stuck between strangers, your best bet is likely to pay up for a seat assignment right when you book – or long before your flight takes off.

Worried about sitting next to your children? American guarantees seats together , even with basic economy fares!

Feeling bold? You might be able to score an extra legroom seat for free.

Buying one of American's Main Cabin Extra seats – which typically come with an extra 3-4 inches of legroom – will generally cost you a lot more than your standard seat, at $40 or more each way. But a quirk in how American Airlines assigns these seats as its planes fills up could land you a spot there without paying a dime.

If you haven't already paid for a seat, American Airlines will automatically assign you one when you check in. And if no standard economy seats are left by the time you check in, American will put you in a Main Cabin Extra seat. See where we're going with this?

So by waiting to check in for your flight until the economy cabin is full, you can automatically be placed in a Main Cabin Extra seat for free. It's a bit of a gamble and it certainly won't work every time – only when your flight is filling up. But it's worth trying out on your next American Airlines basic economy flight.

Read more on how patience can pay off with extra legroom when flying American basic economy.  

Bottom Line

Basic economy has transformed the airfare world. Offering these bare-bones fares allows American to compete with budget carriers on price while pitting flyers with new restrictions – largely in hopes that they’ll pay up to upgrade.

Yes, these fares are a pain – and American Airlines is no exception. But with the right tools, credit cards, and knowledge, you can make them less painful and beat American airlines basic economy fares.

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Kyle Potter is the executive editor of Thrifty Traveler, covering everything from aviation news to travel deals to in-depth guides on using airline miles. A professional journalist, he joined the company in November 2018 after five years covering state and national politics for T...

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3 Responses

You might get better cancellation policies if the flight is codeshares. I’m flying AA internationally next month. The cost for the same basic economy was higher on AAs website than on British Airways and Finnair (both codeshare on the flight). So I purchased through BA. A couple days after booking my plans changed and I was able to make a change for no fee thankfully there was no fare difference. BA also allows me to get credit for the flight should I need to cancel. All for the same exact basic economy seat.

What about if you have AA status? Then can you check bags for free? Get priority Boarding?

I am going to an Iraq War Reunion with my old platoon and after I bought my Basic Economy American Airline ticket they added a camping trip following the reunion that I would like to attend. I called to try and extend my trip and the representative said there was nothing he could. Is this true? Is there any way to extend my flight, even if I need to pay a little extra?

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Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Basic economy fares are often the least expensive fares you'll find. If you've booked a basic economy fare on American Airlines, you may have some questions. Specifically, you may wonder what restrictions you face and whether there are ways to avoid these restrictions. This guide aims to answer all of your questions.

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What's basic economy?

American Airlines' basic economy is the carrier's lowest-priced main cabin fare. It comes with some restrictions on baggage, seating, boarding order and your eligibility to change. This guide will answer common questions about these restrictions.

American Airlines waives some basic economy restrictions for elite members and holders of eligible AAdvantage Aviator or Citi / AAdvantage credit cards. I'll discuss these exceptions in sections dedicated to elite members and cardholders near the end of this guide.

Related: Comparing basic economy fares across US airlines

Can I check a bag?

Yes, but it's going to cost you:

• Within the U.S. and Canada : $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second bag, $150 for the third bag and $200 for each additional bag.
• To/from Mexico : $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second bag, $200 for the third bag and $200 for each additional bag.
• To/from the Caribbean : $30 for the first bag (waived for travel to/from Haiti and departing Cuba ), $40 for the second bag (waived for travel departing Cuba; $70 for travel to/from Haiti), $200 for the third bag and $200 for each additional bag.
• To/from Central America : $30 for the first bag, $40 for the second bag ($65 for seasonal travel to/from Honduras), $150 for the third bag and $200 for each additional bag.
• To/from South America : $45 for the first bag ($30 for travel to/from Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana), $65 for the second bag ($40 for travel to/from Ecuador and Guyana; $55 for travel to/from Colombia), $200 for the third bag and $200 for each additional bag.
• Transatlantic : $75 for the first bag, $100 for the second bag and $200 for each additional bag.

The costs for checked baggage are the same for basic economy and Main Cabin fares on most routes. Notable exceptions that waive the first checked bag fee for Main Cabin fares include transatlantic flights, flights to/from South America (excluding Guyana) and flights to/from Panama. See the chart for checked baggage fees on American's website for more details.

Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines

Can I bring a carry-on?

Yes, your ticket allows one personal item and one carry-on item . Your personal item must be no larger than 18 by 14 by 8 inches and should fit under the seat in front of you. Meanwhile, your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and cannot be larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches.

Related: Keep calm and carry on: Our 13 favorite travel carry-ons

Can I select a seat?

Yes, but it will cost you. You can choose a specific seat at any time during or after booking for a fee.

If you don't choose to pay to select a seat, American Airlines will automatically assign you a seat for free at check-in. American Airlines has the following policy for families traveling in basic economy:

If you're a family traveling with children under 15, and do not already have seats assigned, our system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We'll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we'll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Basic economy seats aren't different from other standard seats in coach. Instead, they're the seats that aren't selected by other passengers before you check in. Contributor Brian Biros recommends not picking a seat in hopes of scoring a free upgrade. After all, you might luck into a preferred seat or a Main Cabin Extra seat. But I recommend paying to select seats if you really want a window or aisle seat , need extra legroom or want your group to sit together.

Related: A beginners guide to American Airlines economy seats

When can I board?

Basic economy passengers generally board in the last boarding group , which is Group 9 for flights within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and Group 8 for flights to/from Europe, South America and Africa. You may be required to gate-check your carry-on bag, but doing so will be free. However, if you are an AAdvantage member, you'll board in Group 6 .

Related: Why I always board last, no matter where I'm sitting on the plane

Can I change my flight?

Although American Airlines has removed most change fees , the carrier excluded basic economy. American Airlines doesn't allow any changes to basic economy fares within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. And although American Airlines allows travelers to make changes after paying a fee when traveling to/from Europe, South America and Africa, the American Airlines fee chart lists a charge of up to $750 for voluntary changes to an international ticket before the day of travel. So, the change fee almost certainly won't be worth it.

American Airlines' global coronavirus waiver no longer applies to basic economy airfare. Note, however, that if you're an AAdvantage Member, you can apply the value of any unused ticket booked between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021, to any trip before Dec. 31, 2022 (also note that you have to book the ticket before Sept. 30, 2022).

Related: How to avoid airline change and cancellation fees

Can I cancel my flight?

No, except if 1) you cancel the ticket within 24 hours of purchase, 2) American changes your flight schedule by 61 minutes or more, 3) you or your traveling companion dies, or 4) because of military orders. In these cases, American Airlines may refund the purchase price to your original form of payment if you can provide valid documentation.

However, thanks to American Airlines' global coronavirus waiver , you can cancel basic economy tickets booked between March 1, 2020, and Jan. 31, 2021, for any reason.

Related: Leniency in basic economy: TPG readers share success stories and tips

Do I still earn miles?

Yes! For travel after Jan. 1, 2022, basic economy fares earn award miles and Loyalty Points.

Related: Where to credit your basic economy flights for maximum returns

Does having a cobranded credit card help?

Yes, having one of the eligible cobranded American Airlines credit cards can improve your basic economy experience . As a holder of one of these cards, you'll get the following benefits even when flying on a basic economy fare:

• First checked bag for free for you and up to a set number of companions on the same reservation on domestic American Airlines-operated itineraries (the eligible number of companions varies by card).
• Group 5 boarding, except for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees), which provides Group 4 boarding.

Note that you only need to have an eligible card — you don't have to purchase your ticket with the eligible card. So you can get the boarding and baggage benefits of a cobranded American Airlines credit card even when you pay for your ticket with a card that provides travel protections such as trip delay protection and baggage delay protection .

If you're looking for a card that provides Group 4 or 5 boarding and your first checked bag free on domestic itineraries, consider getting one of the following cards:

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® : $595 annual fee but includes Admirals Club access when flying American and its partners.
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) : $99 annual fee (waived for the first 12 months).
• Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) : $99 annual fee (waived for the first 12 months).
• AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard : $99 annual fee.
• AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard : $95 annual fee.

The information for the AAdvantage Platinum Select, AAdvantage Aviator Red card and AAdvantage Aviator Business card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: AA, Delta and United lounges have limited access to customers flying with them: Here's what to do

Does having elite status help?

Yes, having AAdvantage or Oneworld elite status helps. Specifically, elite members get the following benefits even when flying on a basic economy fare:

• Normal boarding group .
• Standard checked baggage benefits .
• Usual upgrade privileges including systemwide upgrades and standard mileage upgrades .
• Complimentary preferred and Main Cabin Extra seat benefits based on elite status.
• Complimentary confirmed same-day flight changes for AAdvantage Executive Platinum and AAdvantage Platinum Pro.

In short, if you have AAdvantage elite status, it might make sense to book basic economy if the fare is significantly lower.

Related: Credit cards that can help you earn airline elite status

Bottom line

American Airlines' basic economy fares come with restrictions. But, travelers with elite status or an eligible American Airlines credit card can escape many of the inconveniences of basic economy . Specifically, these passengers receive their customary baggage allowance and boarding zone provided by their elite status or eligible credit card.

In particular, having a credit card such as the Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard provides the first checked bag free on domestic flights and Group 5 boarding. So, you could get enough value to justify the card's annual fee after saving checked baggage fees on just a couple of domestic flights.

Related: Why now is the perfect time to reconsider basic economy fares

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American Airlines Basic Economy: What Are The Restrictions?

• Ben Schlappig
• Published: January 31, 2024
• Updated: February 6, 2024

Nowadays, all major airlines in the United States (with the exception of Southwest) offer some sort of basic economy fares . In this post I wanted to take a detailed look at American Airlines basic economy , to reflect what it’s like nowadays, especially since some positive changes were made to these recently. Separately, I’ve written about similar fares offered by Alaska , Delta , JetBlue , and United .

In this post:

What is basic economy?

Basic economy was introduced several years back as a way for major US airlines to better compete with ultra low cost carriers, like Allegiant, Frontier, Spirit, etc. At least that was the claim, with the idea being that basic economy comes at a lower cost, but with more restrictions.

Basic economy is ultimately a tool for airlines to better segment the market. Those looking for the cheapest fares might book American basic economy rather than a competitor, while the airline hopes that most consumers are willing to “buy up” to more expensive fares, which come with fewer restrictions.

Restrictions with American basic economy

If you choose to book an American Airlines basic economy ticket, what restrictions are you agreeing to? Below is what you can expect, in no particular order.

Pay for seat assignments

American Airlines basic economy tickets don’t allow free seat assignments in advance for most customers. You’ll be automatically assigned a seat at check-in (which can either be at the airport, or starting 24 hours out via online check-in).

However, when booking a basic economy fare:

• All passengers can pay to assign a seat at the time of booking
• AAdvantage elite members who are eligible can select Main Cabin Extra seats at the time of booking at no cost; this includes Concierge Key , Executive Platinum , Platinum Pro , and Platinum members , while AAdvantage Gold members can select Main Cabin Extra within 24 hours of departure
• Those traveling with children 14 and under will automatically be assigned seats together, as part of American’s family seating commitment

Board the plane last

If you book a basic economy fare on American Airlines, you’ll generally be in boarding group eight or nine, which are the last boarding groups. The downside to boarding last is that there might not be space for your carry-on, so you may have to gate check it.

• AAdvantage elite members and those with a co-branded AAdvantage credit card that has an early boarding benefit are exempt from this
• All AAdvantage members can at least board with group six
• Basic economy passengers can pay for priority boarding, with the cost varying by flight

No free ticket changes

Several years back, we saw American Airlines eliminate change fees on a vast majority of fares. This is great, because it means you can cancel your ticket, and then apply the credit toward a future itinerary .

American basic economy fares come with more restrictions in that regard. American basic economy fares can be changed for a fee of $99, though only if they’re domestic, if your travel hasn’t yet started, and if you booked directly through American.

All other American basic economy fares are “use it or lose it,” meaning that if you need to change your travel, you’ll just forfeit the total ticket amount.

Limited mileage earning

American AAdvantage awards miles based on how much you spend rather than based on how far you fly. However, even so, mileage earning is restricted on basic economy fares. While AAdvantage members ordinarily earn 5x miles per dollar spent, basic economy tickets only earn 2x AAdvantage miles per dollar spent.

So if you care about earning redeemable miles or elite status, this is something to be aware of, as it will limit how many Loyalty Points you earn .

What’s not restricted in American basic economy?

If you book an American basic economy ticket, here’s what’s included as usual, among other things:

• The same food and drinks
• The same carry-on allowance as other passengers (one carry-on bag, and one personal item)
• The ability to standby for other flights at no cost
• Elite benefits, including eligibility for upgrades

American Airlines basic economy FAQs

Before I share my thoughts on the value proposition of basic economy, let me answer some common questions about American Airlines basic economy.

What American routes have basic economy?

American Airlines basic economy may be available on domestic routes, as well as flights between the US and Canada, Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and Asia. On flights to Europe you may also find these fares on American’s transatlantic joint venture business partners, including British Airways, Finnair, and Iberia.

However, not all flights or markets will have basic economy available. If basic economy is available, you’ll see it listed as the first pricing option. Just because a flight doesn’t have basic economy doesn’t mean it won’t be cheap. For example, it’s not uncommon to see sub-$100 fares that are in regular economy, rather than basic economy. Conversely, you’ll also often find basic economy fares that aren’t cheap at all.

How much cheaper are American basic economy tickets?

The price premium for avoiding basic economy on American Airlines can vary significantly. As of now, I’d say it’s most common to see a $30 one-way premium for regular economy over basic economy. For example, take the below flight from Miami to Seattle, where the cost is $138 vs. $168.

Then take a New York to London flight, where the price difference is $150 roundtrip.

Does American basic economy allow a carry-on?

Yes it does. When basic economy was first introduced, these tickets allowed you to bring onboard a personal item, but not a full size carry-on. That restriction is no longer in place.

Does American basic economy allow a free checked bag?

Basic economy fares to most regions don’t allow a free checked bag. While that would otherwise be the case on most fares within the US, this even applies on most international flights.

There are two exceptions, which allow you to have free checked bags:

• You’re allowed one free checked bag on basic economy tickets to Israel, as well as basic economy tickets to Asia
• If you’re an elite member or have a co-branded credit card with a checked bag benefit, you can still take advantage of that as usual

What’s the difference between main cabin and basic economy?

When I talk about basic economy, I typically compare it to regular economy. That’s simply marketed as “main cabin” at American Airlines. There’s nothing more to it. Main cabin is the same thing as economy.

Is there a difference between basic economy and economy?

This will sound silly to some, but some people do wonder “so where on the plane is the basic economy cabin?”

Basic economy is purely a different ticket type, and there’s not a separate cabin for basic economy passengers. Rather basic economy passengers are seated throughout the plane, like everyone else.

Is American Airlines basic economy worth it?

When American Airlines first launched basic economy, it was extremely restrictive — you wouldn’t get a carry-on bag, and almost no elite benefits were honored. Fortunately basic economy isn’t nearly as punitive as it used to be.

In many ways that makes it easier to calculate the value of basic economy. That’s especially true when you consider that you can now pay for seat assignments and other perks, meaning you can essentially recreate the regular economy experience on a basic economy ticket, with the exception of the ability to make ticket changes at no cost.

Let me share my take on the value of basic economy, both for elite members and non-elite members.

Basic economy as an AAdvantage elite member

As an Executive Platinum with American AAdvantage, I’d have no qualms booking basic economy if the savings were significant enough. You can still assign seats, you’re still eligible for priority boarding, and you can still score complimentary upgrades.

You’re giving up two main things. First of all, mileage earning is reduced by 60%, as you earn fewer AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points. Second of all, you’re giving up ticket flexibility. Domestic basic economy tickets will cost $99 to change, while international basic economy tickets can’t be changed at all. With basic economy often costing $30 less than regular economy, it comes down to whether it’s worth paying that much extra for ticket flexibility, after factoring in the value of the miles you’re forgoing.

Basic economy if you don’t care about status

Aside from ticket flexibility, as a non-elite member the biggest question is how much you value not boarding last and/or not being able to select seats:

• You can always pay for these things individually, and compare costs
• It’s not like you’d otherwise be among the first to board on a regular economy ticket; for that matter, becoming a member of AAdvantage allows you to board with group six
• Even on regular economy tickets, there are few seats that can be assigned for free

Using the same example where the price difference is $30, I had a look at the cost to assign seats on a basic economy ticket. Standard seat assignments cost $9-10.

So you’d pay $30 extra one-way to avoid basic economy, or alternatively you could pay $9-10 to assign a seat. However, you’d still be left with limited ticket flexibility, which is the biggest restriction. You’d also earn fewer miles, though that’s something that many people probably won’t care much about.

Bottom line

Basic economy is a tool that airlines use to maximize yields. They know they’ll attract some people with very low fares, while they know that others are willing to pay a premium to avoid these restrictions.

The good news is that basic economy has become much less punitive since it was first introduced, in terms of taking advantage of elite benefits, in terms of being able to customize your experience, and even in terms of making changes.

In the case of American Airlines, there are two main disadvantages. You earn 60% fewer AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points (2x miles rather than 5x. miles). Furthermore, your tickets have less flexibility. While other tickets can be changed for free, basic economy tickets can be changed for $99 domestically, and can’t be changed at all internationally.

Personally I think it’s worth paying the premium for flexibility and extra miles, but everyone will have to crunch the numbers based on their own situation.

Under what circumstances do you end up buying basic economy tickets? How do you do the math?

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Hi, Anyone help? Travelling basic economy US to UK. Can I pay to check in a large 23 kg suitcase at the airport. I can’t do it online or get it free, didn’t realise when I bought ticket. How much might it cost? Thanks, Ruth

AAdvantage Platinum here. I purchased a basic economy fare for an international flight (DFW-DUB) for myself and my parents (who don’t have status) on basic economy. I know I still get to check two bags for free due to my status; my question is, does this baggage allowance also apply to the other passengers on my itinerary, even if they don’t have status?

There will probably also be a difference in soft treatment in the event of IROPS

Great write-up, Ben! I hope you will have an upcoming similar write-up for Basic Economy on United. Thanks in advance.

Strange that you mentioned that Basic Economy tickets are changeable. I purchased one and when the price dropped later for the same flight I was told that Basic Economy tickets are non-changeable nor modified outside of schedule change.

But it is true, getting these days any Basic Economy or Lite tickets on any airlines is sort of like taking a gamble.

@ Mike -- The ability to make a change for a fee is a new option as of this month.

Just yesterday canceled a LAS-LAX flight that I had booked in Main for $120 and rebooked in BE. BE was $49, and the current price for Main was still $120. This is my first time ever booking BE, but as a Plat Pro, I couldn’t find any reason to keep the Main ticket.

It's really designed for infrequent flyers that will never have/chase status and will take the risk their travel plans won't change. I also don't believe BE fares will be given an upgrade offer on their reservation-at least that's what's been reported on FT.

Interestingly yesterday a few minutes before boarding a PHX/LAX flight a man approach the gate agent and apparently asked about whether he could pay for an upgrade and was told his fare...

Interestingly yesterday a few minutes before boarding a PHX/LAX flight a man approach the gate agent and apparently asked about whether he could pay for an upgrade and was told his fare was ineligible. I'm assuming he was flying on a BE fare. Although why anyone would pay a walk up upgrade fee for a 350 mile flight?

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• August 13, 2024

• May 29, 2024

• March 19, 2024

Bye, A group. Here are the big changes Southwest Airlines just revealed

Soon, your seat on a Southwest Airlines flight won't depend on your boarding group.

Southwest revealed major changes to its boarding policy and flight schedule on Thursday, July 25, including phasing out its longstanding open seating policy in favor of assigned and premium seating.

Southwest also plans to introduce redeye flights. One of its first redeye flights will be from Phoenix.

The move comes as Southwest, which operates the second-largest flight capacity at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, is working to improve its profitability and the flying experience. In April , Southwest CEO Bob Jordan told investors in an earnings call that his staff was looking into whether ending open seating would satisfy customers' preferences.

Here's what to know about the end of open seating on Southwest Airlines and what other changes may be coming.

Is Southwest Airlines doing away with open seating?

Yes. Southwest will begin assigned seating on all flights in 2025.

In addition, Southwest will create a premium cabin section with extended-legroom seats. This premium section will encompass about one-third of the available seats.

The changes won't occur right away because the new cabin layouts require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to Southwest's announcement.

Southwest will reveal more details about how assigned and premium seats will work and what the cabin layouts will look like during the airline's Investor Day in late September.

When reached for comment by The Arizona Republic, Southwest did not say what the premium-seat legroom will be and whether standard legroom would change from the 32-inch average seat pitch in the current cabins.

Why is Southwest ending open seating?

It has to do with both customer preference and the airline's profitability.

Southwest said it conducted extensive research on passengers' seating preferences and found that 80% of its customers and 86% of potential customers prefer seat assignments. Customers cited the airline's open seating policy as the No. 1 reason why they chose to fly with a competing airline.

"We have been building purposefully to this change as part of a comprehensive upgrade to the Southwest experience as we focus on customer expectations – and it will unlock new sources of revenue consistent with our laser focus on delivering improved financial performance," Jordan said in the airline's announcement.

Southwest is working to improve its financial position. The airline reported a net loss of $231 million in the first three months of 2024.

The airline brought in $7.4 billion in operating revenues from April to June 2024, but the $367 million it took in in profits was more than 46% less than its profit during the same period in 2023, according to its second-quarter 2024 financial report .

Airline staff also expect its non-fuel operating costs, which include employees' salaries and aircraft maintenance, will increase around 11% to 13% in the next three months.

What is open seating on Southwest Airlines?

On a flight with open seating, passengers don't have assigned seats.

Where they sit largely depends on their place in the boarding queue: Those boarding in Group A get the best choice of seats. After Group B, those who board in Group C usually are limited to middle seats and little to no overhead space for carry-ons.

Southwest's open seating policy was introduced with the airline's founding in 1971. Back then, the seating was first come, first served. The boarding groups began after a 2006 experiment with assigned seating revealed customers' frustrations with the first come, first served approach.

Does Southwest do redeyes?

Besides ending open seating, Southwest announced Thursday that it would begin offering redeye flights that leave at night and arrive the next morning.

Southwest's first redeyes include a nonstop Phoenix-Baltimore flight, which will begin flying on Feb. 13, 2025. The flight leaves Sky Harbor at 11:05 p.m. Arizona time and arrives in Baltimore at 5:10 a.m. Eastern time. We found fares from $236 one way, comparable to or slightly cheaper than other Southwest fares between the two cities.

Southwest will introduce four other redeye routes in February 2025 — Las Vegas-Baltimore, Las Vegas-Orlando, Los Angeles-Baltimore and Los Angeles-Nashville — with more possible in the future.

Will Southwest change its Bags Fly Free policy?

Some travel industry analysts, such as Steve and Paul Glenn of the Nebraska-based travel management company Executive Travel , speculate that Southwest will eventually change its checked bag policy.

Right now, the airline allows each passenger to check their first two bags for free — a sharp contrast from competitors such as American Airlines, which recently changed its baggage policy to charge $40 for the first checked bag.

The Glenns forecasted in a June podcast that Southwest would reduce that to one free checked bag if its profitability doesn't improve.

When asked by The Republic if Southwest would change its baggage policy, a Southwest spokesperson said, "No additional changes forthcoming at this time."

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:  @salerno_phx .

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