American Airlines has announced plans to hold back the first few rows of their economy section and sell those on the day of flight to passengers willing to pay a premium.

In what the airline is calling their “Express Seats” program, within 24 hours of a flight, passengers will be able to pay between $19 and $39 (depending on the flight length) to reserve an up front seat.   Passengers who elect to purchase an Express Seat will also be allowed to board with Group 1 during the general boarding process.  (That is, the first group after first class/business class/frequent flyer elite members.)

“Express Seats” can only be purchased at the airport, through an American check-in kiosk.  Passengers will still be allowed to pre-reserve another coach seat in advance; if they end up purchasing an Express Seat their boarding pass will be reissued.

Members of the American frequent flyer program who are gold status or higher will continue to be allowed to pre-reserve any seat, including ones in the front rows, free of charge.