Frequent flyers will tell you that the best way to secure the overhead bin space above your seat is to board as early as you can. Often this means obtaining some form of privileged status with an airline's frequent flyer program. Recently, though, airlines have begun to create a value-added service that allows you skip ahead of the other masses waiting to board – for a fee, of course.

American Airlines is the latest airline hoping to cash in on the angst passengers feel over boarding after most everyone else. The airline has announced its "Your Choice" program that grants the buyer a series of privileges, including earlier boarding and a waiver of fees to standby for earlier flights on the same day under its "Boarding and Flexibility" package. American says that the fees will vary according to the destination and additional fee-based services under "Your Choice" will be offered in the future.

According to a press release issued by American, customers can purchase the Boarding and Flexibility Package for travel within the continental United States when they purchase tickets at American's website, AA.com. Details on the Boarding and Flexibility Package are as follows:

• Group 1 General Boarding privilege which allows you to board immediately following PriorityAAccess(SM) customers
• A $75 Flight Change Discount off the regular service charge when applicable
• Ability to standby for an earlier flight on your day of departure at no charge
• Privileges apply to all travelers in the same reservation for a per-person charge
• Offered for an introductory price of US$9 each way. Prices vary based by market and routing

Currently, American is offering this service for prices between $9 and $19 depending on the destination. The airline has not indicated what the prices will be once the introductory specials expire.

American Airlines will soon be offering the Group 1 boarding privilege as a stand-alone option later this summer. This fee will be $10 each way regardless of the flight's length, destination, or routing, according to American. This stand-alone option mimics that of cross-town rival Southwest Airlines (both airlines are based in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas) which instituted a $10 early boarding fee in 2009.

What do you think? In a recent survey of IAPA members, only 33 per cent indicated they would pay extra to board earlier. Would you?