What’s next? Paying for privilege of middle seat?
Observers wonder now that American Airlines has started charging extra for aisle and window seats whether the next move might be a fee for the dreaded window seat.
The new program is called “preferred seating.”
Certain window, aisle and exit row seats will now be called “preferred.”
The number and location of those seats will vary by flight but will always be in the front half of the plane, according to airline spokeswoman Stacey Frantz.
The seats will be available for advance booking only to Platinum- or Gold-level frequent fliers or people who are paying full fare, along with members of the military and their families.
The airline says none of these fliers will be charged extra for a preferred seat.
But if any of those seats are still available 24 hours before the plane's departure, passengers who paid lower fares will be able to buy them online for an extra charge of $4 to $39. The price will depend on the length of flight and time of day.
This is a change from the Express Seat program launched last year to sell seats in the first few rows of coach. More seats will be up for sale in Preferred Seat.
Other airlines, including United, JetBlue and AirTran, already charge extra for exit row and other "extra leg room" seats.
US Airways charges for some window and aisle seats.
Southwest allows passengers to pay more to board early and pick their own seat.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026