Son not flying with us on American Airlines. Do we still have the paid for seat?

[Belle5]

Eight of us were traveling together and had a block of seats together. Now it looks like it may just be seven of us going on our trip. If he doesn't show up with us to check-in, can the airline give his paid-for seat away? In a row of three he is assigned the middle seat between two of my other sons. (maybe I should see if I can switch some of the assignments around now to have his seat be in a different spot)

It would be nice to have the extra room since we paid for the seat...but I'm not too sure how that works.

 

[Tara]

No, unless you are a "customer of size" as the airline industry terms those who cannot fit in one seat, you cannot buy more than one seat per person in your party. So if you bought a ticket for someone who does not check in for the flight, that seat will go to a standby customer if needed. It's of course possible that no one will take it, but if the flight is full, someone else will be seated there.

I would not change the seat assignment if I were you - if the flight isn't full and there are other empty seats on the window or aisle, those will likely be assigned before a middle seat.

 

[LilyWDW]

Your son would be considered a no show. If there are stand by passengers for that flight, then it is possible the seat will be given to one of them.

 

[DebbieB]

I cancelled a ticket for my niece on USAir a few years ago at the last minute. My Mom and I still went. Someone else was put in her seat. If you want to keep the ticket for a future credit, you need to cancel it. Unfortunately, with USAir only my niece could use the ticket credit and she was 9 at the time.

 

[MAH4546]

No, unless you are a "customer of size" as the airline industry terms those who cannot fit in one seat, you cannot buy more than one seat per person in your party. So if you bought a ticket for someone who does not check in for the flight, that seat will go to a standby customer if needed. It's of course possible that no one will take it, but if the flight is full, someone else will be seated there.

I would not change the seat assignment if I were you - if the flight isn't full and there are other empty seats on the window or aisle, those will likely be assigned before a middle seat.

Anybody can buy a second seat, even if they are not fat. On AA, you won't get miles for the second seat, but you can buy one.

Though since the OP's son will not be physically boarding the flight, the seat can be given away.