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JT over at The Points Guy has confirmed a policy with American Airlines where they'll provide active duty military personnel access to the best economy seats on a flight — which includes Main Cabin Extra. This policy wasn't common knowledge, so JT contacted AA and the company provided the following statement about its policy:
Active U.S. Military members (and their family members traveling on the same reservation) receive complimentary access to Preferred Seats and Main Cabin Extra. Preferred Seats can be selected by active U.S. Military traveling on a Military or Government fare. If not traveling on a Military or Government fare, active U.S. Military can request a Preferred Seat or Main Cabin Extra from an airport agent if available.
This adds nicely to the 3 free checked bags already allowed by AA for active duty service members on personal travel along with early boarding.
As nice as this policy is, keep in mind that this seat selection process when traveling on a standard fare is only available at the airport. So it isn't possible to just book a seat and then pick the best one out there unless you currently hold elite status with American. While it is likely that the very best seats will be taken by elite members or those that have chosen to pay, in this scenario at least the seat won't go empty if an eligible service member or their family would like it.
Summary
Additional perks to the men and women that dedicate their life to serving our country deserve every perk we can provide. We're happy to see AA set an example here and look forward to other airlines following suit.
Source: The Points Guy/JT Genter
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Flew 4 flights with American in the last two weeks, and this was the policy. Just about to fly out today and both the ticket counter agent and gate agent very bluntly told me this is not American’s policy.
Good Job American Airlines!!!!!
An amazing way to say thank you to those who served!!!!
I’m very happy to read this news. My favorite Airline.
Great initiative from American Airlines, the best Airline. Thanks!
Great policy by American!
To all you military and families out there: Thank you for your service.
that should be the policy for all airlines
This is a win/win for just about everyone. Very nice gesture, and good PR for AA
I’d give up my seat for such an individual.
Glad to see AA is improving their service for the military
That is a nice gesture and should be followed by all airlines. Thanking these men and women along with their families by offering something small goes a long way! They should allow all veterans the same privileges. That would really be kind.
Great to see an airline putting something back where they can. I think American deserves credit for this, as easy as it is to get cynical sometimes.
Kudos to AA for supporting the military with better seats.
About time, our Vets do so much for us, its time someone gives them a big needed break! Thanks to all you active duty personnel and Vets!
So glad to see AA taking care of our military. So important.
They should be rewarded for their service for the country and risking their lives.
Good chance to avoid flying basic fares to a warzone. That doesn’t seem great for morale.
Keep in mind, military traveling on orders do have access to the best economy seats at the time of booking.
I wish this also applied to ex-military personnel.
IMHO AA did a great job with this change.
Well done.
I think these men and women who serve our country deserve the very best!!!
Nice to see theses folks get some priority service!
Kudos to American Airlines.
This is an excellent policy. It would be more impressive, and helpful to our military, if the policy applied to ALL tickets held by military personnel. And, if there is a free business or first class seat available why not give it to our military? I hope some gate agents “accidentally” give a business or first class to these well deserving folks. American, and all other airlines reading this, please up your game in this NO COST” AREA!
I agree – they should be first in line for upgrades to first/business class when available.
So happy to see this!! This is the least that can be done to thank our service members!!