What happens if I don't have an assigned seat on a flight?

Unassigned Seating on Flights: What to Expect

When booking a flight, passengers typically have the option to select their seats. However, in some cases, they may be assigned an unassigned seat. This can occur for various reasons, such as when a flight is overbooked or when the airline makes a last-minute change to the aircraft.

If a passenger does not have an assigned seat, they should check in as early as possible. This will increase their chances of getting a good seat, especially on budget airlines where unassigned seating often operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

When checking in, passengers should inquire about the availability of assigned seats. If there are no assigned seats available, they should ask to be placed on the standby list. This will give them the opportunity to board the flight if a seat becomes available.

If a passenger is unable to get an assigned seat, they may be offered compensation. This can include vouchers for future flights or a seat on a later flight. In rare cases where no agreement can be reached, the passenger will likely be refunded.

Here are some additional tips for passengers who do not have an assigned seat:

• Be prepared to be flexible. You may not be able to get your preferred seat, so be prepared to sit in a different location.
• Be polite. The gate agent is not responsible for the lack of assigned seats, so be polite and respectful.
• Be patient. It may take some time to get a seat, so be patient and wait your turn.

Overall, not having an assigned seat can be a frustrating experience. However, by following these tips, passengers can increase their chances of getting a good seat and avoid being left behind.