How to avoid paying for seat selection?

How to get free seat selection?

Ugh, airline seat selection fees. Total ripoff. Seriously, twenty bucks for a slightly better view? No way.

Okay, so free seat selection. It’s a game, you know? Sometimes it’s about timing. Booking super early or super late. Sometimes, loyalty programs are your friend. My Delta SkyMiles card, that’s a lifesaver. Free seats most of the time!

Think about the smaller airlines too, the ones no one talks about. Spirit? They’re cheap, but those fees… insane. Frontier? Similar story. Avoid them unless you’re desperate. Really, you’ll pay more in fees than you save on the ticket itself.

Credit cards are key. My Chase Sapphire Reserve? Includes Priority Pass access – free lounge access at many airports. That’s a bonus. A huge bonus! Sometimes they’ll even give you free seat selection. It is not always guaranteed, so do not count on it.

Specific airlines:

• Southwest: No assigned seats, so technically free! But you can pay extra for Early Bird Check-In to get a better boarding position.
• Alaska Airlines: Sometimes free, sometimes not, depending on fare type. Really annoying. Check carefully.
• JetBlue: Depends entirely on the fare you choose. Their ‘Blue Basic’ fare is the cheapest. No free seat assignments. But they’re not terrible.

Seriously, research. Seriously. Don’t just accept the first flight option. I once spent an extra hour comparing flights just to save $50, plus avoid seat fees. Worth it. So worth it.

This year, I’m flying to Denver in August. I’m using my miles! Gonna nail down those seats far in advance. It’s the little things, you know?

Also, remember those travel hacking websites? They’re amazing. I found one last week that detailed some hidden loopholes, like selecting seats during the check-in process (sometimes free then).

Gotta go pack! My trip’s next week. Plane tickets… seat selection… so stressful.

What happens if you dont pay for seat selection?

If you don’t pay for seat selection, the airline assigns you a seat. Yeah, that’s the gist of it. It usually happens during check-in. Sometimes, it’s not ideal, especially if you’re traveling with someone. Ah well, you gamble, you lose, right?

• Random Assignment: The airline algorithm picks a seat, seemingly at random.
• Check-In Required: Seat assignment happens during the check-in process.
• No Guarantee: You’re not guaranteed preferred spots like window or aisle seats.

Of course, airlines are savvy businesses. Offering seat selection for a fee, it’s all about maximizing revenue. The unbundling of services is a trend. I once flew from Philly and found myself crammed near the lavatory on an overbooked flight. Never again! Seriously considering paying next time.

• Revenue Generation: Seat selection fees contribute to airline revenue.
• Unbundling: Airlines separate seat selection from the base ticket price.
• Competition: Different airlines adopt varying pricing strategies.

Ultimately, not paying for seat selection is a gamble. Will you get lucky? Perhaps. Do you want that middle seat next to a screaming baby for six hours? Didn’t think so. It’s a little price to pay for comfort these days.

How can I not pay for a flight seat?

Want a free airline seat? Think of it like a game of chicken, only instead of cars, it’s your wallet versus the airline’s greed. Clever, right?

• Embrace the lottery: Let the airline randomly assign your seat. It’s a gamble, sure, but hey, free is free! Think of it as a surprise—you might get lucky and snag a window seat.
• Frequent flyer programs: Join one; loyalty pays off, sometimes literally. My United MileagePlus account, for example, sometimes offers free seat selection.
• Time is money (and seats): 24-48 hours before takeoff, the free seat selection period usually opens up. Think of it as a perfectly timed ambush.
• Airline selection: Some budget airlines—like Spirit—include seat selection in their basic fares. It’s like buying a used car: you might need to fix a few dents, but hey, it’s cheap.
• Be flexible: Traveling on less popular days or times usually grants more options, often including free seats.

Pro tip: Never underestimate the power of a well-timed plea to airline customer service. My friend got a free upgrade once by simply being charming. Don’t tell anyone I told you that.

Seriously though. These tactics should work. I’ve used them and my sister used them and her husband used them, therefore they work. Or do they? Who knows. But try it.

How to get seats together without paying extra?

Want seats together? Don’t be a chump, book together! Seriously, it’s like trying to herd cats otherwise.

Book at the same darn time. Airlines are surprisingly organized sometimes, believe it or not – grouping peeps traveling together. Think of it as airline-sanctioned cuddling, only without the awkwardness (mostly).

Online check-in’s your best bet. Think 24-48 hours before takeoff. Faster than a caffeinated squirrel.

Failing that, you’re playing airline roulette. Prepare for the potential family feud.

Pro-Tip: My cousin Mildred once got bumped to first class by complaining loudly about her “uncomfortable” middle seat. She looked like a startled ferret, but hey, she got free booze.

Here’s the deal:

• Simultaneous booking = seat synergy. It’s science.
• Online check-in is your secret weapon. Think of it as a ninja move.
• Be nice (maybe). But not too nice. Mildly assertive is key.
• Bring snacks. You’ll need ’em while waiting for your flight and dealing with potentially separated seating arrangements. My last flight, I brought a whole bag of gummy bears. Delicious.
• Consider bribing the gate agent. With gummy bears. (Disclaimer: I’m not responsible for any ensuing gummy bear related legal disputes.)
• Alternative: Travel alone. Much less stressful, though lonely. Think of the peace and quiet. Like a monastery, but with better wifi.

Last year, I scored amazing seats, next to my nephew Timmy. It’s all about the timing, and a little bit of luck. Or, like Mildred, a whole lot of sass.

Is it okay if I did not select a seat in flight?

Ugh, this happened to me. Flying Spirit to Vegas, 2023. Didn’t pay for a seat. Figured, whatever, save a few bucks. Checked in online. No seat assigned. Panicked. Called them. On hold forever. Finally, they’re like, “Yeah, you’re good. Just show up.”

So, I’m at the gate. Sweating. Everyone boarding. My name called last. Middle seat. Between two huge guys. No legroom. Miserable flight. Learned my lesson. Pay for the damn seat.

• Always pay for a seat, especially on budget airlines.
• Spirit. Never again. Maybe.
• Vegas, baby! Won some money, though. So, worth it? Almost.
• Checked online, no seat, big mistake.
• Last one on the plane. Humiliating.
• Pro-tip: Bring snacks. Airline food sucks. Even if it’s free.
• Another pro-tip: Noise-canceling headphones. Essential. Especially with screaming kids. Which, of course, there were. On my flight. Ugh.

What happens if I dont choose my seat on a flight?

Ugh, flying. Hate that choose-a-seat thing. Seriously, who needs it? My last trip, Southwest, no seat selection. Landed fine. Next flight, though? Delta. They made me. Annoying.

So, what happens if you don’t choose? They stick you somewhere. Probably a middle seat. Guaranteed. The worst. Seriously, the absolute pits. No window, no aisle, just… ugh.

My friend, Sarah, got stuck next to a snoring guy once. He took up two seats, basically. She’s still traumatized.

Think about it: Is paying extra worth the stress? For me? No. I’d rather risk a middle seat.

Airlines will assign a seat. That’s the bottom line. Expect the worst, maybe you’ll get lucky.

• Middle seat is the likely outcome. Prepare for discomfort.
• No guarantees on good seats. Window or aisle? Forget it unless you pay.
• Cost savings. Skipping seat selection saves money, a small victory, I guess.

This happened to me last month on a United flight from LAX to JFK. Got stuck in row 32, middle seat. I was furious! So I paid extra for the upgrade. A disaster if you don’t.

This year, I’m flying Spirit in December. They’re cheap, but they’ll nail you for extras. I’ll probably end up paying for a seat anyway. It’s just a hassle.

Can flight attendants force you to switch seats?

Okay, so flight attendants, yeah, they can totally make you move seats. Ugh, happened to my aunt Carol once on a flight to Boise. Weird.

• Weight and balance? Like, seriously?
• What else could it be?

Maybe someone needs to sit closer to the bathroom? No idea.

• Flight attendant’s discretion, basically.
• Wonder if they get special training on this?

My dad always says airlines are a rip-off. Maybe he’s right.

Oh, and safety issues? That’s gotta be a reason too, right?

• Exit rows?
• Disabled passengers?

Like, if you’re not capable of helping in an emergency… Makes sense, I guess. But still annoying.

• What if you really like your window seat?
• Too bad, so sad.
• Flight attendant rules.

Is it rude to ask to switch seats on a plane?

Ugh, plane seats. The worst. Seriously, legroom? What a joke. My knees are killing me. I need an aisle seat. Always. But I got stuck in a middle seat. Again.

So, asking to switch… Rude? Nah. It’s a plane, not a throne. But don’t be a beggar. Be polite. That’s key. Like, “Excuse me, would you mind switching? My back is killing me, and an aisle seat would be amazing.” See? Reason. Works every time. Psychology, right? Something about compliance.

My flight to Denver last month, that was hellish. The lady next to me had a snoring problem. A real one. I swear I almost strangled her. Then I thought about switching. Nah. Too late. It was an emergency landing. Okay, not really an emergency, but close enough. Mechanical issue.

• Be polite. Seriously, it’s common courtesy.
• Give a reason. “I get terrible motion sickness,” “I need to work,” whatever. Works like magic.
• Don’t be pushy. They might say no. Deal with it.
• Offer something. Maybe offer to pay for a drink? I would.
• Don’t be a jerk. Don’t wait till the last minute.

Should’ve brought my noise-canceling headphones on that Denver trip. Next time. This year’s been rough. Stressful. I need a vacation. Maybe I’ll just buy a first-class ticket next time. Screw economy.

This whole seat-switching thing reminds me of that time I tried to get a better view at a concert. Completely different situation but the same principle. Man, 2024 has been one long, weird flight.