American Airlines to roll out Main Cabin Extra

American Airlines has announced plans to outfit its entire mainline fleet with Main Cabin Extra, which will offer more leg room as well as priority boarding. American plans to begin installations this year, and over time will update all of its existing aircraft. New Boeing 737-800 aircraft being delivered to American will come equipped with Main Cabin Extra seating beginning this fall. Anticipated future aircraft, including Airbus A321s, and A319s, and Boeing 777-300ERs and 787s, will also offer Main Cabin Extra. “Customers travelling in Main Cabin Extra seats will enjoy four to six inches of extra leg room compared to a standard Main Cabin seat, as well as priority boarding privileges,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s chief commercial officer. “We continue to provide our customers with choices that enable them to customize their travel on American to be the experience they desire and value.” Main Cabin Extra seats will be located in the front portion of the Main Cabin, allowing easier boarding and deplaning. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, and AAdvantage Platinum members, and customers who purchase a full-fare economy class ticket will receive complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra, subject to availability. Also, AAdvantage Gold members will receive complimentary access to the new seating product through December 31st, 2013. American will continue to reserve a significant portion of Main Cabin Extra seats and other seats in the Main Cabin exclusively for elite customers who can select these seating options at the time of booking up until check-in. For other customers who wish to purchase Main Cabin Extra, prices will range between $8 and $108 per segment, depending on the length of the flight. Main Cabin Extra will be available for purchase beginning in spring 2012 for travel onboard the 777-300ERs. Customers will be able to reserve these seats on AA.com, at self-service check-in machines, through American Airlines reservations, and through travel agencies using American’s direct connect. Seats will be available for purchase from time of booking up until check-in. American intends to complete installation of Main Cabin Extra on the vast majority of its fleet within 18 months. In addition to American’s Main Cabin Extra seating, the airline’s existing Preferred Seats product will continue to offer other desirable Main Cabin seats on a complimentary basis for all of American’s AAdvantage elite customers. Preferred Seats will also remain available for purchase by all other customers, and are complimentary for active US military and their family members travelling on the same reservation.