American Airlines' New Main Cabin Extra Seats

Earlier this week, American Airlines announced that it would be debuting a new option in the economy cabin called Main Cabin Extra to compete with products like Delta’s Economy Comfort and United’s Economy Plus.

According to the details AA provided, the new seating option will add 4-6 inches of legroom compared to standard economy seating, as well as priority boarding, so no worrying about whether you’ll find space for your carry-on in the overhead bin.

The airline eventually plans to put the new seats on all their existing and future fleet, but it is set to launch later this spring on the airline’s new Boeing 777-300ER’s, which will begin delivery later this year.

Free for Elites
Main Cabin Extra seats will be free for AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Platinum members, as well as customers who purchase a full-fare economy ticket, though a portion of the Main Cabin Extra seats will be reserved exclusively for elite flyers who can choose them at the time of booking up until check-in. From now until December 31, 2013, AAdvantage Gold members can also reserve the new seats for free, though after that, it sounds like they’ll have to pay just like normal flyers. At least they’ll have about 18 months to try it out for free, though.

All elites will still have access to AA’s existing Preferred Seating option (basically, just advanced selection of window and aisle seats).

Paying Customers
Everyone else will have to purchase Main Cabin Extra seats anytime from booking up until check-in cut-off time at the airport. Prices will range between $8-$108 per segment depending on the length of the flight.

What do you think? Would you pay more for these new seats?
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