A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,002
That seems steep for MCE.
I'm 6'4" and I probably wouldn't pay extra for it. (I'm AA Gold so I have a shot at it 24 hours prior to the flight...I'd just wait and hope.)
I do avoid torturous pitch like you find on some ULCCs. The *only* way I'll consider Spirit is if the front seats are available. (And even then, the only reason I'd consider Spirit is when all other options are really bad.)
But AA regular seat...two short flights...I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Jetblue might be an inch or two better in their "regular" seats. If things are equal and you have no loyalty to AA, that might be worthwhile.