Many airlines block some bulkhead economy seat assignments in advance, primarily in the event that those with reduced mobility need to assign these seats. However, a certain amount of time before departure these seats can be bookable by anyone, which can be a great opportunity to snag a good seat.
In this post:
Which economy seats does American block in advance?
Let’s start by talking about the bulkhead economy seats that American generally blocks in advance. As far as I can tell, American won’t let most customers assign the following seats in advance:
- Airbus A319 — seats 8D and 8E
- Airbus A320 — seat 4A
- Airbus A321 — seats 8D, 8E, and 8F
- Boeing 737-800 — seats 8D and 8E
- Boeing 777-200 — seats 17K and 17L
- Boeing 777-300 — seats 20A and 20C
- Boeing 787-8 — seats 10J, 10K, and 10L
- Boeing 787-9 — seats 12J, 12K, and 12L
- Embraer E175 — seats 8D and 8F
Note that in all cases, these seats are in the Main Cabin Extra section, which is American’s extra legroom economy seating (which also includes complimentary alcoholic drinks). This seating is available for all passengers or at a cost, or alternatively select AAdvantage elite members can assign these seats for free.
Bulkhead seats have a lot of extra legroom, which is a big draw of these seats. While many people typically don’t like being in bulkhead seats due to lack of floor storage space, note that on most of these narrow body jets, there’s actually still under seat storage, as there’s not a proper bulkhead.
When do these seats become unblocked?
I have an itinerary today where I have a segment in economy, though I wasn’t able to secure a good Main Cabin Extra seat at the time of booking (as I planned this pretty last minute). I knew that American blocks certain bulkhead seats in advance, so I was curious to see when these seats actually opened up.
Based on searching online, I saw some mentions of these seats opening up 24 hours before departure, or maybe slightly under 24 hours before departure. Well, I did a little experiment, and best I can tell, these bulkhead seats open up exactly 12 hours before departure.
I figure that’s good to know, in case you’re in a situation where you can’t secure a good Main Cabin Extra seat. By using this trick, you can potentially assign one of the best Main Cabin Extra seats 12 hours before departure.
Bottom line
American’s Main Cabin Extra bulkhead seats that are blocked in advance become unblocked exactly 12 hours before departure. This can be worth understanding if you’re in a situation where you book close to departure and can’t otherwise assign a good seat. I find these bulkhead seats to be great, given the amount of legroom they offer, while still having under seat storage.
Anyone else use the trick of snagging the typically blocked seats 12 hours out?
Just because you see a seat open on the seat map does not mean it's available for purchase. A lot of times people are just not checked in. Not everyone buying a ticket select seats ahead of time.
didn't read the article eh?
I boocked a trip with American 4 months in advance. Segment DFW-SEA. I wanted to redeem my miles to fly in 1st class but they told me the seats were already sold out. That is absolutely not true. I believe they are trying to sale the seats in order to make more money.
At least once a month I fly in an Embraer 145. Seats 1A, 2A, 3A, 3B, and 3C are the seats that are always blocked. My favorite is 2A, as it is across from the galley and my backpack fit under the seat in front. For a long time, they did not open until about an hour before the flight. Then for about a year, it was exactly 12 hours and I was always able...
At least once a month I fly in an Embraer 145. Seats 1A, 2A, 3A, 3B, and 3C are the seats that are always blocked. My favorite is 2A, as it is across from the galley and my backpack fit under the seat in front. For a long time, they did not open until about an hour before the flight. Then for about a year, it was exactly 12 hours and I was always able to snare 2A, but 3 months ago it changed to sometime between 24 and 12 hours in advance of the flight. Last time the seats were open when I checked in at 18 hours before the flight and 2A was already gone. I am not a bulkhead fan, as I am short and would rather have my backpack at my feet than overhead.
On AF/KLM bulkhead is also held for parents with bassinets and they are released for sale at 48 hours and free at 24 hour check in.
C'mon Ben... don't share this too widely. :)
It's been a great secret that I've used many times over the years. Comes in handy when I need to book close-in and all that's left is a middle seat in the back. I simply set an alarm for 12 hours and 1 minute pre-flight and move up front.
Lessor concern, but the very last row of Y class (for 787-9, might be last row for first block and last two rows for the second Y block) is released, I think, exactly 24 hours before the departure, unless assigned already.
I've been told they are reserved for people with disabilities (and mostly the ones that abuse the privilege) that do not have seat assignments at check in. I might also guess some gate agents try to save them for flight crew.
@ben 777-200 doesn't have a 17J, just 17K and 17L.
What about on Delta? They do the same, always blocking a few comfort and/or front main cabin seats, but best I can tell, they never unblock them for self-assignment, and only the gate agents can assign them.
As a platinum medallion, I’ve had delta gate agents refuse to assign me the blocked comfort plus seats, since I already had a comfort plus seat. One agent told me they save them for traveling pilots even until the last minute. On this particular E175 flight, the front two comfort plus seats went out empty. These happen to have the most leg room too.
Delta does elite upgrades to comfort.
I would imagine once they open, they will be immediately grabbed by the upgrade?
Does anyone know which narrow bodies have a proper bulkhead, requiring you to store personal items above? Will be good to know when to avoid bulkhead...I know 777-200 in PE (MCE on domestic) has a proper bulkhead, but not sure about the others.
Incredibly useful info, thanks Ben! I've always wondered why I saw the same seats blocked on every flight. I have my favorite on the A321. BTW, I do not like the seating changes of the A321neo.
I'm guessing you like the window/aisle seat that faces the flight attendant, gone now on the neo...