More Elbow Rooms in the Sky: How to Buy a Second Seat for Yourself at American Airlines
If you missed it, Southwest Airlines recently changed its policy for large passengers who need additional seats.
Starting next year, Southwest will require passengers to pay additional seats in advance and then request a refund afterward. The policy has been in effect on paper for some time; however, most people know that the airline will offer a free extra seat to the gate and to passengers who need it but don’t have pre-orders.
Once the new policy comes into effect on January 26, the option to get free additional seats will end. Even if you wait until you purchase a second seat at the airport, you will need to pay and request a refund.
Southwest is one of the major aircraft carriers that have long allowed passengers, requiring additional space to buy a second adjacent seat on the plane. However, most airlines (ironically, not including the Southwest) offer options for all passengers who require more space to book a second seat.
Regardless of the reason, whether it’s performers with large instruments or passengers, even if they can safely fit an assigned seat, the policy for each seat will change from the operator to the operator.
Alaska Airlines
All Alaska Airlines passengers can purchase additional seats (called comfortable seats) over the phone. Comfort seats are exempt from standard ticketing fees; Alaska recommends purchasing them while you book your first seat, but you can do so any time before departure.
Please note that you can use companion fare vouchers (e.g. Atmos™ rewards on stage visa credit card) or your Atmos bonus point to pay for a second seat. Just know that to use the companion fare certificate, you must book a second seat on the same book as the first one.
If you spend cash on comfortable seats, you are eligible to earn redeemable points on that seat, albeit not Elite State Credit. Once the trip is completed, please contact the Customer Service Center in Alaska to request this credit.
Finally, if you purchase comfortable seats as “big and small passengers” and all flights depart in unsold seats, you are eligible for a refund for a second seat if you contact Alaska after the flight.
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Standard checked luggage and exemptions apply to each purchased seat.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows customers to want extra space to book a second seat.
To book two seats in the United States, customers must call the booking directly and purchase a second seat on the same fare and fare category as the first seat. If you redeem the first seat on the same fare, you can redeem the Aadvantage mileage of American Airlines for the second seat. However, if you pay in cash, you can’t earn miles on extra seat purchases. Also, if you want a second seat, you must book a full itinerary, not just a segment.
Delta gas line
Like the United States and Alaska, Delta Airlines requires passengers to call the booking line to book additional seats for any reason.
While you can redeemed Delta Skymiles for a second seat, the program prohibits “mileage on purchased tickets that carry extra luggage such as musical instruments and pets” or provide extra space for major passengers.”
Since Delta Basic Economic Tickets vs. Pre-seat Allocation does not bring about pre-seat allocations, you need to avoid this fare if you are booking two adjacent seats to have some extra space.
Border Airlines
Low-cost carrier Border Airlines recommends customers who “cannot lower the handrail and/or compromise on any part of the adjacent seat or aisle” to book two seats before traveling. Passengers can check online through the airline’s chat system, which replaces its customer service phone line.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines offers guests the opportunity to book additional seats online when booking, but points out that these seats are not guaranteed to be adjacent.
To ensure seats adjacent to each other, purchase additional seats in the main cabin (excluding basic economic tickets) through the booking team.
JetBlue
JetBlue allows you to buy extra seats and complete transactions online.
The process of using JetBlue is very easy: just select two adults (or many you need) for the flight you want, and when it asks for information for the second adult, you won’t provide another name. Instead, you click the option you read: “This is an empty seat” and select your name from the drop-down menu.
You can add an extra seat next to or next to the back. According to JetBlue’s FAQ, you can pay for additional seats with JetBlue TrueBlue points or a combination of cash and points.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is one of the few airlines that don’t allow customers to purchase a second seat to separate it. This policy applies only to customers who require additional seats.
With the imminent changes in the Southwest boarding process, the flight “size customer” policy for or before January 26 is different from the policy for flights departing after that date.
For flights on or before January 26, “customers who encroach nearby seats should proactively purchase the required seats before traveling to ensure that extra seats are available.” When you arrive at the airport, let the gate agent know that you have purchased additional seats and they will give you a “reserve seat” document to place on adjacent seats. You can request a refund only after completing the trip by filling out the online form.
If you don’t buy extra seats in advance, you can talk to the gate agent at the airport and they will give you free extra seating. If not available, they will rebook you on a spare flight with available seats.
Southwest’s policy will change slightly after the transition to allocated seats on January 27. Customers are still encouraged to purchase a second seat in advance, and you should be able to select adjacent seats during the seat selection process.
If you show up at the airport without purchasing additional seats, you will need to purchase it on your current fare. If the flight is sold out or there are no adjacent seats, you will rebook on the alternative flight. You can still choose to request a refund within 90 days of your flight, but it only applies if the flight departs in at least one open seat and you purchased two seats in the same fare course.
To purchase a second seat online, choose an extra adult if you want extra seats. Under “Who Fly”, you will give the first passenger a name and then use “XS” as the middle name for the second ticket.
Regardless of policy changes, it is best to avoid Southwest’s basic fare courses, as it does not include seating options.
Spirit Airlines
If you want a second seat, the rules for low-cost carrier spirit airlines are very simple and straightforward. The airline allows you to purchase tickets using your name and choose the seat allocation you want. Whether you need extra seats, want some breathing room or for any other reason, you can buy extra seats.
You can use your free spirit point for extra seats, but you won’t earn points when you buy.
United Airlines
United Airlines allows you to buy a second seat over the phone for extra personal space, and you can redeemed for additional seats at United Mireageplus Miles or earn miles on the extra seats if you decide to pay cash. Please note that you will not receive Prime Minister Qualifying for additional seats. Miles earned by an additional ticket should appear in the Airline Events section of your Mileage Pluce account with “Extra Seat Credit”.
If you purchase additional seats, the United Nations allows double checked luggage allowances, although it will charge you a double change fee if your plan changes. Still, you only need to bring a carry-on bag and a personal item.
You can buy extra seats on the day of your trip, but the cost may be higher than the original seat.
Bottom line
We all want an empty middle seat when boarding. When the check-in door is closed and the middle is empty, it feels a bit like winning a companion lottery.
Related: 9 Ways to Not Be an Annoying Airline Passenger
But if you don’t want to rely on luck, know that most major U.S. airlines can book a second seat to make sure you don’t share the handrail with strangers.
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