When booking a flight, it's important to consider whether you'll be able to select your seat. While some airlines allow seat selection at the time of booking, others may charge a fee for this service or only offer seat selection during check-in or at the gate. Some third-party booking sites may also offer seat selection, but it's not always guaranteed. To avoid disappointment, it's essential to understand the different policies and fees associated with seat selection before finalising your booking.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Airlines that allow you to pick your seat | Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Air India |
Conditions for free seat selection | Purchasing hold luggage, checking in a hold bag, purchasing specific fares or add-ons |
Additional services | Extra legroom, personal entertainment screens, gourmet meals |
What You'll Learn
- Some airlines, like Southwest, don't offer pre-selected seats
- Airlines like Alaska and Hawaiian charge nothing for seat selection
- You can skip seat selection and save money, but you might get a middle seat
- Some airlines make it seem like you must select a seat during checkout
- You can book your seats with Alternative Airlines
Some airlines, like Southwest, don't offer pre-selected seats
If being able to select your seat is important to you, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can book directly through the airline, as this usually allows you to choose your seat at the time of booking, although there may be a fee for this service. Alternatively, you can use a third-party booking site that offers seat selection, but be sure to carefully check the terms of the fare, as some cheaper options may not include seat selection. Additionally, keep in mind that some airlines charge higher fees for seat selection than others, so you may want to choose an airline with lower seat fees.
It's worth noting that even if you don't select a seat, you will still get assigned one on the flight. So, while you may not end up in your preferred spot, you don't need to worry about not having a seat at all. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to select your seat beforehand depends on your personal preferences and how much you are willing to pay for that privilege.
In summary, while some airlines like Southwest don't offer pre-selected seats, there are ways to increase your chances of getting your desired seat, such as booking directly with the airline or choosing an airline with lower seat fees. However, skipping seat selection altogether can also have its benefits, and you will still be guaranteed a seat on the plane.
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Airlines like Alaska and Hawaiian charge nothing for seat selection
When booking a flight, it's important to be able to select your seat. While some airlines allow you to do this at the time of booking, others may charge a fee for this service. However, there are a few airlines that stand out by not charging anything for seat selection.
In comparison, other airlines may charge varying amounts for seat selection. For example, Southwest Airlines doesn't charge for seat selection in the same way as other airlines, but you won't be able to choose your seat during checkout. On the other hand, airlines like Frontier and Spirit Airlines are known for having higher seat fees, with charges of $15 or more for each leg of your journey.
By choosing an airline that doesn't charge for seat selection, such as Alaska or Hawaiian, you can save money and have more control over your seating preferences. This can be a significant advantage, especially if you're travelling on a budget or have specific needs that require a particular seat.
Additionally, it's worth noting that while some airlines make it seem like you must select a seat during checkout, you can often skip this step and still get assigned a seat. So, if you're not particular about your seat or want to avoid any additional fees, skipping seat selection is always an option.
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You can skip seat selection and save money, but you might get a middle seat
When booking a flight, you may be given the option to select your seat for an additional fee. However, it is not always necessary to pay for this service. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of skipping seat selection to save money:
You will still get a seat on the flight
Contrary to what some airlines may imply during the booking process, you do not have to pay to choose your seat. On most airlines, if you skip seat selection, you will simply be assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate.
You might get stuck with a middle seat
If you don't pay to select your seat, there is a chance you will be assigned a middle seat, which many people try to avoid as they are less desirable. However, this is not guaranteed, and you may still get a window or aisle seat without having to pay extra.
You can try requesting a different seat at check-in
If you are assigned a middle seat or another seat that you are not happy with, you can always try asking the staff at check-in if it is possible to change. They may be able to accommodate your request, especially if there are still plenty of seats available.
Seat selection fees vary by airline
If you decide that you do want to pay for seat selection, it's worth noting that the fees can vary significantly between airlines. According to an analysis by NerdWallet, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines tend to charge lower fees, while Frontier and Spirit Airlines charge higher fees.
You might get an upgrade
In some cases, skipping seat selection can even lead to an upgrade. If the flight is full and there are empty premium seats available, the airline may assign these seats to passengers who haven't chosen their seats in advance. Of course, this is not guaranteed, and you could also end up with a less desirable seat.
Overall, whether or not to pay for seat selection is a personal decision. If you have strong preferences for a specific type of seat or want to ensure you sit with your travel companions, it may be worth the extra cost. However, if you are flexible and don't mind taking your chances, skipping seat selection can save you money.
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Some airlines make it seem like you must select a seat during checkout
When booking a flight, it's important to understand the terms of the fare and the site you are booking from. Some third-party sites may not allow seat selection at the time of booking, and you may need to wait until you receive a confirmation or booking reference code to select your seat on the airline's website. Additionally, some fares may not allow seat selection at all or may charge a fee for this service.
It's worth noting that the practice of charging for seat selection is not universal among airlines. While some airlines charge high fees for seat selection, others, such as Alaska, Hawaiian, and JetBlue, charge little to nothing. Additionally, Southwest Airlines does not offer pre-selected seats and assigns seats at check-in or at the gate.
Ultimately, whether or not you choose to select a seat during checkout depends on your preferences and the specific airline's policies. It's important to read the fine print and understand the terms of your fare to make an informed decision.
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You can book your seats with Alternative Airlines
To book your seats at the time of booking, first enter the flight you wish to purchase into the Alternative Airlines search bar. Then, browse flights and click 'Confirm Selection' when you find the flight you wish to purchase. Next, scroll down on the passenger details page and click on 'View seat map' under the 'Seat Selection' option. Finally, click on your preferred seat on the interactive map.
You can also book your seats via 'My Account'. First, log in or sign up for your account. Then, navigate to the 'Seat selection' tab on the dashboard. Click on the flight to get a drop-down of your flight details, and click on the 'Select your seat' button. You will then be able to view the seat map, including the seats that are available and their features and price. Simply click on the seat to select your preferred seat.
Alternative Airlines offers an exclusive interactive seat map display, making it easy to book your seats. Seats can be selected during or after booking, and you can pre-book your seats on a wide range of airlines when you book through Alternative Airlines.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the site and the airline. Some third-party sites allow you to choose your seat at the time of booking, but others will only allow you to do so after you have received a confirmation or ticket number.
Yes, some airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways offer free seat selection at the time of booking.
You don't have to select a seat in order to get a seat. You will be assigned a seat during check-in or at the gate if you don't already have one. However, you might get stuck with a less desirable seat if you don't choose in advance.
Yes, one strategy is to skip seat selection altogether. If the flight is full and there are empty premium seats, the airline may assign these seats to passengers who haven't selected a seat.