This article covers how to choose your seat on American Airlines, when you can do it, and what it may cost.
Can I choose my seat in advance?
Seat selection becomes available once your ticket is issued. Tickets are typically issued one to two months before departure. If you check before then and the airline tells you your flight isn't paid for yet, that's normal — it simply means your ticket hasn't been issued yet.
Once you're ticketed:
- If your flight is booked on American Airlines only, with no other airline involved in operating any part of your itinerary, you can select your seat directly with American Airlines.
- If part of your trip is operated by a different airline (for example, a flight sold as American Airlines but flown by a partner carrier), seat selection may not be available in the same way.
Seat selection is not available before your ticket is issued.
Is there a cost?
Many seats – including most aisle and window seats – are considered "preferred" seats and carry a fee. The exact amount depends on the seat and route.
If you call American Airlines directly to have a seat assigned by phone, they charge a $50 fee per person, in addition to any fee for the seat itself.
How do I request a seat?
- Online: Visit American Airlines' website and use your confirmation number to access your reservation and select a seat, once your ticket is issued.
- By phone: Call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300. Keep in mind the $50 per-person phone fee noted above.
Need help?
If you have questions about your airline's seating, we recommend you first visit the airline's website and use your confirmation number to access your reservation. If you run into trouble selecting a seat at that time, review the timeline information above, as you may be too early to select a seat. If you still have issues after that, reach out to our team and we'll help you sort it out.