Can I check-in without choosing seats?

What happens if you book a flight without choosing seats?

Okay, so, if you don’t pick yer seat on a flight? The airline just gives you one. Like, random. Free, yup.

But here’s the thing—and it’s a BIG one— your group? Might not sit together! Imagine that, flying to Cancun with the fam and little Timmy’s by himself three rows back. No thanks.

I remember my trip last year… or was it the year before? I think. Anyway, not choosing seats is risky. This happened to my sister and, like, her husband when they went to Maine. They ended up across the aisle from each other! What a joke.

• Random seat assignment: Airline picks a seat.
• Free: Costs nothing extra.
• Group Separation: A Very Real Possibility.

Plus, all the good seats are taken by the people who do pay. Aisle? Window? Forget about it. You’re stuck in the middle seat, probably.

And it’s even worse now, I herd, since like all the airlines are trying to nickel and dime ya for everything. So, really, pay up, its’s worth it for peace of mind.

Is it mandatory to select a seat while booking a flight?

Okay, so last July, flying Southwest to visit my sister in Denver. Man, I was stressed. Packed like a sardine, late already. Almost missed my flight. Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic. Didn’t even think about picking a seat.

Seriously, who has time to mess with seat selection when you’re running late? My anxiety was through the roof. I just booked the flight, threw my bags in the car, and zoomed to the airport.

I got a seat. No fee. They just assigned me one at check-in. It was a middle seat. Ugh. But hey, a seat is a seat, right? Got to Denver. Saw my sister. Happy ending. It wasn’t the best seat, but it was free.

Key takeaway: Don’t stress about seat selection, especially if your flight isn’t fully booked. You’ll probably get a seat automatically. It might not be your ideal spot, obviously, but you’ll save some cash.

• Airlines often assign seats automatically during check-in or at the gate.
• This avoids seat selection fees.
• It’s worth the risk if you’re short on time or money.
• Check the specific airline’s policy, though. Some budget airlines might be different.
• My experience was with Southwest in 2023.

That middle seat was murder, by the way. Next time, maybe I’ll pay. But, hey, I saved 30 bucks. So…win?

What happens if you are not assigned a seat on a flight?

If you check in 24 hours before your flight and lack a seat assignment, the airline likely overbooked. Or, maybe a smaller plane replaced the original one. It’s a harsh reality: booking doesn’t automatically equal a seat. Think of it – a gamble, really!

• Overbooking: Airlines routinely oversell seats, hoping some passengers won’t show. It’s a calculated risk. They usually offer incentives to volunteers who give up their seats.
• Equipment Changes: A plane swap often means fewer seats. Weather, maintenance, or other unforeseen issues can cause this. This is often beyond the airline’s immediate control.

Airlines are obligated to accommodate you. If there’s no seat, they must find one for you. You might be bumped to another flight though. Perhaps you will even get upgraded. Or, they might compensate you. This compensation depends on the airline’s policies and the circumstances. It’s infuriating, I know, from my own experience last year flying from JFK to LAX. A real hassle, that was.

Complaining directly, rather than through the app, might yield better results. Be polite but firm. You paid for a seat; you deserve one. Document everything – emails, confirmations. My friend, Sarah, once ended up in first class, because of a similar situation!

Ultimately, you’ll likely get there. However, the unexpected is often a part of air travel; life lessons are learned the hard way.

Is it possible to not get a seat on a plane?

It’s happened. Being bumped. Yeah, it’s legal.

They oversell the flight… always do. Like they didn’t expect everyone to show.

It’s a breached contract, that’s all it is. Can’t take off with standees.

If no seat? They ask for volunteers first.

• Volunteers get vouchers.
• More money if you are stubborn.

If you don’t pick a seat, they pick for you. Usually.

• Unless the flight is full.
• Then, you don’t fly. Simple.

No seat? No fly. That’s how it is. They’ll rebook you. Maybe give you a hotel.

• Spent a night at the Holiday Inn near O’Hare in 2023 because of this. Free breakfast, I guess.
• Still missed my aunt’s birthday. Bummer.

Airline responsibility ends there. It sucks.

• Know your rights, seriously.