Skip to content

American has a new refundable fare option — but is it worth it?

June 21, 2022
4 min read
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Out with the Shuttle and in with Main Select at American Airlines.

The Fort Worth-based carrier's newest fare bundle, dubbed Main Select, is now available for purchase, as confirmed by a carrier spokesperson. The new fare replaces the now-retired Shuttle product.

Main Select is American's new bundle of benefits that will be available on high-frequency business markets (at least to start).

Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free new biweekly Aviation newsletter.

American's new Main Select fare

The “Main Select” fare was first unveiled in November when the airline announced plans to formally retire the Shuttle service, which historically offered shorter check-in cutoff times, dedicated kiosks and more-convenient boarding gates.

As part of the move, American pulled out of the Boston (BOS) to New York LaGuardia (LGA) market in January, with Northeast Alliance partner JetBlue Airways now operating exclusively in that corridor going forward.

(Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Instead of designating certain routes as a Shuttle, American is bringing the new Main Select fare to a handful of business-oriented markets. The fare includes a fully refundable economy ticket with some additional perks that American believes are valuable to business travelers.

This includes priority check-in and Group 4 boarding, complimentary access to extra-legroom Main Cabin Extra seats and free same-day flight changes.

At launch, the fare will be available on American-operated flights, as follows:

Sign up for our daily newsletter
  • Boston (BOS) — Washington Reagan National (DCA)
  • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) — Chicago (ORD)
  • New York-JFK — Los Angeles (LAX)
  • New York/LaGuardia (LGA) — DCA
  • LGA — ORD

You can book the new Main Select directly on American's website or mobile app, or through an NDC-enabled travel agency. (NDC, or new distribution capability, is an industry technology that lets airlines better sell and market their products.)

In a statement, Vasu Raja, American’s chief commercial officer, explained in November that the move “means creating an easy and seamless travel experience that has the amenities [business customers] want, the flexibility they need and a network that offers access to any destination they want to go.”

(Screenshot courtesy of American Airlines)

Is Main Select worth it?

American's new Main Select fare is already available for purchase, and it appears that the airline is charging an additional $100 to $120 for the upgrade.

Interestingly, the airline is also offering an option to convert a standard coach fare to a refundable ticket for $50. (Standard coach fares can be changed without a change fee, but if you voluntarily cancel your ticket, you'll receive a future travel voucher, not a refund.)

(Screenshot courtesy of American Airlines)

So, the airline is essentially charging between $50 and $70 for access to priority check-in and security, Main Cabin Extra seats and same-day changes.

AAdvantage elite members already have many of these benefits included for free based on their status, so the buy-up might make sense for a general member (or those with expense accounts who are also looking to earn additional miles and Loyalty Points from the higher fare).

Bottom line

Main Select is just one of American's new fare products.

Recently, the airline began offering a “Main Plus” upgrade, which offers complimentary access to Main Cabin Extra and preferred seats, along with an additional checked bag and Group 5 boarding, for an upcharge over the standard coach fare. A carrier spokesperson confirmed to TPG that American will only sell one buy-up on eligible routes — meaning that you’ll either be offered the Main Plus or Main Select upgrade, but not both.

The primary differences between Main Select and Main Plus are that the latter isn't refundable and doesn't include free same-day changes.

In addition to Main Plus, American rolled out a new Flagship Business Plus business-class fare last week that includes access to first-class perks, such as dedicated check-in areas, restaurant-style Flagship First dining access and an additional checked bag.

With three new fare products launched during the pandemic, American's working hard to segment the market and offer a fare that includes the benefits that each customer values.

Featured image by (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

OFFER ENDS 5/3/23
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards

2 - 6X points
6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

Earn 125,000 points75,000 points
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

Annual Fee

$125

Recommended Credit

670-850
Excellent/Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.
Apply for Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.