American Launches Main Select Fares, Targeting Corporate Customers

American Airlines launched its new Main Select fare today, targeting business travelers, the airline announced Tuesday. The product will be available in select high-frequency markets and offered only on the airline’s website and through New Distribution Capability-enabled travel agencies, according to the carrier.

Originally announced in November, the product will offer refundable fares, same-day flight changes, priority boarding, priority check-in, and the choice of all seats in the Main Cabin at the time of booking, including Main Cabin Extra, according to an American statement.

The new fare currently is available on American-operated flights between Boston and DC-Reagan, Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago-O’Hare, NY-LaGuardia and each DC-Reagan and Chicago-O’Hare, as well as between NY-JFK and Los Angeles International Airport. The carrier has plans to expand to additional markets later this year, according to American.

American initially announced the fare as part of its overall Northeast Alliance with JetBlue, and the Main Select product i similar to JetBlue’s Blue Extra fare, which also offers same-day changes, advance seat selection and early boarding.

The Main Select launch comes about a week after American added another business-targeted fare dubbed Flagship Business Plus, which offers some Flagship First perks.

Donna M. Airoldi www.businesstravelnews.com