American Airlines is joining its largest competitors in
rolling out premium-economy seating across its mainline fleet. According to the
carrier, installation of the new Main Cabin Extra, which will offer between
four and six more inches of leg room than standard economy, begins this fall
and should within 18 months spread to the "vast majority" of AA's
domestic and international fleets.
While certain elite-level frequent flyers and full-fare
economy ticketholders will gain complimentary access to the new seats (based on
availability), others can purchase an upgrade from standard economy from the
time of booking through check-in, but only through AA's direct channels,
including travel agencies using AA's direct connection. Main Cabin Extra will
cost an additional $8 to $108 per segment.
Sales begin this spring for flights on new Boeing
777-300ERs, "which will come equipped with Main Cabin Extra upon delivery
later this year," according to AA. The carrier also will feature Main
Cabin Extra on new Boeing 737-800
aircraft, expected for delivery beginning this fall. The carrier "over
time will update all of its existing aircraft."
AA's Platinum level frequent flyers get Main Cabin Extra
seats for free, if available. "American will continue to reserve a
significant portion of Main Cabin Extra seats and other seats in the Main Cabin
exclusively for elite customers," according to the carrier.
Passengers traveling on Main Cabin Extra seats, which will
be situated in forward areas of economy cabins, also will receive
"priority boarding privileges," according to Virasb Vahidi,
American's Chief Commercial Officer.
American's chief competitors, United and Delta, have a head
start in providing premium-economy products. Already a staple on United
aircraft, the carrier last year announced plans to expand in 2012 Economy Plus seating to its Continental Airlines subsidiary.
Delta, meanwhile, last year on international routes launched
its Economy Comfort seats. In October it announced plans to expand the product by summer 2012 to its entire mainline fleet
and 250 regional jets.