FAQs
Of course, there are ways to avoid paying the fees, from flying an airline that doesn't charge them or buying a ticket that includes seat selection to having frequent-flyer status that gives you free seats as a perk. Keep in mind that these fees are technically optional.
What is the middle seat trick on a plane? ›
It's a favorite booking hack by couples who hope luck will be on their side: Choose the aisle and the window and cross your fingers that other travelers will be discouraged from picking the remaining seat in the middle.
What has happened to SeatGuru? ›
What happened to SeatGuru? Indications are that TripAdvisor stopped investing in SeatGuru around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.
Is it worth paying for seat selection? ›
Step 2: Skip seat selection if you have to pay
This gets especially confusing with basic economy fares, which differ from airline to airline and often don't include free seat selection. But no matter what, you should skip seat selection altogether if the airline is trying to make you pay.
How can I get good seats on a plane without paying? ›
Your best chance of an empty seat next to you is towards the back since most passengers choose seats in the front of the plane in an aisle or a window seat, not a middle. The last seats to be chosen are the middle seats in the back of the plane.
What happens if I don't pay for a seat on my flight? ›
If you do not purchase a seat assignment, one will be randomly assigned free of charge. However, your party may be separated.
What is the man's hilarious trick for keeping seats open on flights? ›
TikTok user @muscadinebloodline8 has shared a video showing the hilarious way he guarantees himself some extra space every time he flies. He put his arm upright inside a spare hoodie, placing a hat on top of his hand, to make it look like the seat was already occupied – preventing anyone else from taking that spot.
Does anyone prefer the middle seat on a plane? ›
Surprisingly, some people prefer most travelers' least favorite option. By overwhelming numbers, air travelers prefer aisle seats or window seats over the middle ones.
Where is the bumpiest place to sit on a plane? ›
Seats at the back of the plane tend to be bumpier, and sitting towards the back also means you're one of the last passengers to get off the plane after landing.
What is the website that shows you the best seats on a plane? ›
AeroLOPA is a portfolio of aircraft seating plans, carefully developed and uniquely detailed to help you make the very best decision about where to sit on-board your next flight.
Optimized for your iPhone, iPod Touch and Android, SeatGuru provides you with seat maps and insights from over 45,000 flier reviews, right at your fingertips. Now even at the airport, you can always find the best seat before you fly. Features: Over 800 color-coded airplane seat maps.
What does the yellow seat mean on a plane? ›
A seat colored yellow is meant to alert travelers that there is something different about the seat. Usually, the seat has one poor feature, such as no window, limited recline or legroom, reduced seat width, etc, but it does not have enough poor qualities to warrant being colored red.
Do seats get cheaper closer to the date? ›
If you're interested in getting the best deal on flights, it helps to understand what causes changes in pricing. Timing plays an important part. Specifically, plane tickets usually don't get cheaper closer to the departure date or if you book too early—more than five months in advance.
Does checking in early get you a better seat? ›
The earlier you check-in, the more seat options you'll have available to choose from. This is particularly helpful for those who prefer a window or aisle seat, families who want to sit together, or anyone looking to snag that extra legroom.
Do seat upgrade prices go down closer to flight? ›
The cost to upgrade to business class from a lower cabin can decrease a good amount the closer you get to takeoff. Airlines don't like to move planes that aren't full, so they may offer a good deal on an upgrade to a harder-to-sell business class seat so they can sell your main cabin itinerary.
How can I not pay for a flight seat? ›
A paid seat is a seat that you can select in advance for an extra fee, while a free seat is a seat that you can select for no additional charge or that is assigned to you by the airline. Booking a flight without buying is only possible with a dummy flight ticket.
How can I check in without paying for seats? ›
"In case the passenger doesn't wish to opt for a preferred seat, the seat will be assigned free of cost through auto-assigned seat mode by the airline. The boarding pass with the auto-assigned seat will be sent via email to the passenger a few hours prior to the flight departure," said Minister Singh in Lok Sabha.
Why am I being charged for seat selection? ›
They want to show the lowest fares possible on search results, then upsell you during checkout. This drip-pricing tactic is a pain for passengers. Charging for seat selection is one way airlines try to make a buck at the last minute. Know your options and avoid their trickery.
How to sit together on a flight without paying? ›
Check-in early
If you don't pay for seats, but check in early, chances are that you will be allocated seats with your group, so long as the airline has seats available together. Make sure you're up to speed about when check-in opens and set an alarm if necessary so that you're up in time.
