5 Things to Know About American Airlines’ New “Main Plus” Economy Fare

Initially launched in select markets as a test in 2021, American Airlines’ “Main Plus” tickets have been expanded to many more routes. American has been busy adjusting its economy fare options in the last year by expanding Basic Economy over the past few years to new international markets, modifying baggage allowances and fees, and eliminating change fees on Main Cabin tickets.

While American says it is trying to simplify its fare offerings, the addition of new fare types (including Main Plus and a later “Main Select” fare) has, in some eyes, made booking an economy ticket on American Airlines even more confusing. However, the “Main Plus” fare does have some advantages, and I’ll explain what’s included, which markets it’s offered in, and what type of traveler can benefit from this fare.

American Now Has 7 Types of Economy Fares

What Is Included in American’s “Main Plus” Fare?

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade to “Main Plus”?

The cost for the upgrade varies by market and travel dates. On the test searches I completed, the cost to upgrade roughly correlates to the price of choosing a Main Cabin Extra seat assignment when selecting seats on a Main Cabin ticket.

If you’re traveling with a checked bag, you’ll definitely want to compare the cost of an upgrade to “Main Plus” over choosing your extras a la carte. If you want extra legroom seating and have a checked bag, it's usually a no-brainer to purchase a “Main Plus” fare. If you need a checked bag anyway, consider paying a little extra to bundle and get the extra legroom as well.

For example, when searching for a one-way flight from Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX), I’m seeing Main Cabin fares for $140 one-way or a Main Plus fare for $192—a difference of $52.

If I were to choose Main Cabin, when I get to the seat selection screen, I see Main Cabin Extra seats between $40 and $41. Since a checked bag would also cost an additional $40 for this flight, it would make more sense to purchase the Main Plus fare if I wanted both the extra legroom and to travel with a checked bag.

It also makes it more appealing to upgrade my seat assignment if I’m planning to travel with a checked bag. By paying an extra $52 during booking, I could get a more comfortable seat along with my checked bag.

Bundling fares is nothing new, and although it can make the shopping experience a bit more confusing, it’s nice to see that American is once again offering a way to pay for a baggage-inclusive fare during booking.

Which Routes Offer “Main Plus” Fares?

Originally, Main Plus was offered only on domestic U.S. flights and flights between the U.S. and Canada, but it has since expanded to many international markets as well. Now, Main Plus fares are available not just within North America but also on flights to Europe, South America, Asia, and beyond. On some of the most prominent business travel routes (for example, New York JFK–Los Angeles LAX), American doesn’t offer Main Plus; instead, it sells a different bundled economy fare known as “Main Select.” (Main Select is a fully refundable fare with priority services, aimed at business travelers.)

Is American’s Main Plus A Better Value?

When American introduced its Main Plus fares, it offered a better value by eliminating basic economy. However, now that basic economy is back, it isn’t necessarily a better value compared to other airlines.