American Airlines Upgrades its Economy Experience with Main Cabin Extra Seating

The concept of an upgraded economy service is increasingly spreading throughout the industry to improve the passenger experience at a cost that doesn’t burden the airlines or the passengers themselves. This is especially valuable to passengers at a time when seating is getting tighter, complimentary ancillaries are becoming more limited, and as travelers increasingly seek a flying experience suited to their needs –– without being required to pay business class dollars, even if it does cost a little extra out of pocket.

American Airlines has addressed this growing demand with its new Main Cabin Extra product, which, according to the airline, gives passengers “a little more of everything.” It offers seats with up to six inches more legroom than in traditional economy seats, as well as earlier access to overhead bin space. Passengers with Main Cabin Extra seats are among the first to board, with Preferred Group 5 boarding and are permitted one complimentary carry-on bag. And on routes that serve alcohol, they receive complimentary beer, wine, and spirits. On some routes, additional food and drink are free, as well.

Main Cabin Extra passengers also enjoy free movies and TV shows, either on a screen in front of them or on their own device. On most flights, Main Cabin Extra passengers can stream to their phone, tablet, or laptop without needing to buy Wi-Fi — they can simply download and use the American Airlines app. Main Cabin Extra seats start at $20, depending on the route.

Certain traveler levels qualify automatically for American’s Main Cabin Extra seating, including AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members, oneworld SapphireSM, and oneworld EmeraldSM members.

This content was created collaboratively by American Airlines and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.