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Don’t ever let anyone tell you it doesn’t matter what kind of plane you’re on. You could be paying a coach fare but sitting in business, without using miles or upgrade certs. I’m referring to American Airlines’ policy of letting elite members reserve seats in business class on three class planes… on a domestic coach fare.

How does this work? First, you need to be eligible, i.e., an elite member in American AAdvantage, or on a full-fare ticket. Second, when booking a flight, make sure you’re on a three-class plane. American’s 777s between hubs (such as Chicago and Dallas) are such planes. Anytime you see an MD-80 (or -83, or “Super 80″), 757, or 737, you can forget it.

Importantly, American Airlines doesn’t provide a business class service in their domestic business class cabin. You’ll still have to pay $5 for alcoholic beverages, and you don’t get a meal. But you DO get a much better seat.

For people who subscribe to the belief that it’s all about the seat, this is a great deal. For those who want the full premium class service, you’ll be left wanting. (I imagine that international business class travelers who connect to a flight like this are comped into first class, instead of coughing up five bucks for a drink in their business-class seats.)

Added bonus: American is in the process of upgrading their business class seats. Frankly, it seems like kind of a tight fit to me, and it looks like the person in the window seat would have quite a climb to get to the aisle. But it’s a flat seat (if not horizontal). Photo below.

Click to see larger image.

Photographer: © Joe Statz