In the past, AA Gold elites received a 50% discount on purchasing MCE seats before check-in, but this discount was eliminated in September 2018.So, if you have status, make sure to log into your AAdvantage account or list your Oneworld account with elite status when purchasing flights.The next category of seats are “Preferred” seats — indicated by green on AA seat maps. Even more confusing, some seats are in two different categories at the same time.Note: We are focusing on American Airlines’ economy seats in this piece.

However, you must purchase a Main Cabin ticket — and not a Basic Economy ticket — to get this benefit.AAdvantage Gold and Oneworld Ruby elite members get complimentary access to MCE seats at 24 hours to departure. Image Credit: American Airlines Main Cabin Extra Benefits in Detail Preferred Boarding. However, the price doesn’t necessarily scale with the length of the flight.For example, from London Heathrow to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) on AA’s Boeing 777-200, bulkhead seats cost $118, aisle/window seats cost $113 and middle seats cost $102:While this cost may seem excessive for just some extra legroom, you have to remember that the extra space from these seats adds up. AA’s premium economy seats aboard the 787-9 are arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration rather than the 3-3-3 layout in standard economy, which allows the new seats to be a bit wider and have a larger armrest. Many of American Airlines’ aircraft have a section of MCE seats at the front of the economy cabin while others — such as former US Airways aircraft and regional jets — may only classify bulkhead and exit row seats as MCE.For example, the former US Airways A330-300 aircraft only have two rows of Main Cabin Extra: the bulkhead rows of row 8 and row 25. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit Main Cabin Extra, Preferred, elite-only seats … oh my! Report inappropriate content . For non-elite members flying on long-haul flights, there can be a significant cost to choosing MCE seats. American Airlines refused to price match us, we had to pay over $400 for a ticket for a child who was 72 hours of being 2 years old. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The actual size restrictions vary quite a lot between different airlines, and some airlines don’t even disclose the exact measurements.To make your life easier, we made this guide, where we show the exact underseat luggage size restrictions for 17 different airlines. As of 2019, American Airlines Group was the largest by fleet size, passengers carried and revenue passenger mile. But generally, you can use small backpacks, tote bags, handbags, messenger bags, Usually, underseat luggage isn’t as heavily restricted and weighed compared to carry-ons. Alaska Airlines requires travelers of size to buy an extra seat if they can’t comfortably fit within one seat with the armrests in the down position. The only rule is that it has to fit under the front seat.

Follow Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and latest updates!www.cleverjourney.com all rights reserved © 2020 | We use affiliate links, and receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. But sometimes they might be too large, so use them at your own risk.Oskars has traveled all over the world, but he especially likes mountain trekking and visiting "off the beaten path" destinations.

On some planes, AA could fit more rows of seats into the same plane if all of the seats had the standard pitch. Sports equipment such as skis, golf bags, fishing equipment, hockey, and lacrosse equipment will be accepted up to American Airlines’ (AA) size and weight limits and will count as one checked bag/hold bag. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Delta Air Lines was the largest by revenue, assets value and market capitalization. This could mean seats closer to the front, rows with only two seats or sometimes just random window and aisle seats, as you can see on AA’s Boeing 777-300ER:Beware if you see exit row seats labeled as Preferred seats rather than Main Cabin Extra. Also, Unfortunately, the only way you’re going to get a Preferred seat for free as a general flyer is if you don’t have a seat assignment and there are no Standard seats available. You’ll have to stow it under your front seat unless you’re sitting in the emergency exit row, in which case it’ll have to be stored in the overhead compartments together with all the carry-ons.The exact items that you’re allowed to use as underseat luggage vary between different airlines. Those with Main Cabin Extra, Preferred seats and even standard seats can be set aside for elites only. American has 9 boarding groups, so it’s important to understand where you fit in the boarding picture. This way you’ll be able to squeeze the bag underneath the front seat even if it’s slightly too large.Theoretically, you can also use small hard-shell suitcases or leather duffles within the size limits. Note, that these restrictions might change, which is why we’ve also linked out to their official websites. © 2020 THE POINTS GUY, LLC. If you’re looking for a guide about which first class, business class or premium economy seats you should book, check out Main Cabin Extra (MCE) is what American Airlines calls its extra-legroom economy seats.

The carrier says it can’t guarantee travel for those who require additional seat space on a given flight unless they buy a second seat in advance. For the exact size, you should contact them directly, and tell them your flight details.The actual size under the front seats depends on which aircraft you’re flying with.