Do you have to pay for seats together?

Decoding the Airline Seat Selection Game: Must You Pay to Sit Together?

The lure of airlines to pre-select your seats can be strong, especially when travelling with family or friends. They paint a picture of guaranteed togetherness, suggesting the alternative is being scattered throughout the cabin like errant socks in a laundry. But is paying extra for seat selection truly necessary, or is it a savvy marketing tactic preying on our fear of solo flights?

The good news is, with the exception of a few budget-focused airlines that operate with a truly a la carte model, you likely don’t have to pay to sit together. While the upfront temptation to secure your desired spots is understandable, strategic planning and proactive measures can often yield surprisingly positive results without costing you an extra dime.

Why Airlines Push Pre-Flight Seat Selection:

Let’s be honest, airlines are businesses, and ancillary revenue (like seat selection fees, baggage fees, and in-flight meals) contributes significantly to their bottom line. By creating a sense of urgency and highlighting the potential for separation, they encourage passengers to pay for the perceived peace of mind that comes with pre-selected seating.

Strategies for Sitting Together Without Paying:

Here are some tried and tested strategies to increase your chances of sitting together without shelling out extra cash:

• Book Together Under One Reservation: This is the most crucial step. Airlines recognize that passengers on the same booking are likely traveling together and will often, though not always, attempt to seat them adjacent to each other.

• Check-In Early: This is where timing is everything. Check-in as early as possible, ideally when online check-in opens (typically 24 hours before your flight). This allows you to select from the remaining available seats before the bulk of passengers check in. You’ll have a greater chance of finding clusters of available seats at this stage.

• Understand the Airline’s Seating Policy: Research your airline’s seating policy beforehand. Some airlines have policies in place that prioritize seating families together, especially with young children. Knowing this can give you leverage and confidence.

• Utilize the Airline’s App or Website: Even if you don’t pay for seat selection, keep an eye on the seat map on the airline’s app or website in the days and hours leading up to your flight. Seats often become available closer to departure due to cancellations or upgrades.

• Politely Ask at the Gate: If all else fails, don’t hesitate to politely explain your situation to the gate agent. They are often willing to help, especially if you are traveling with children or have a legitimate reason for needing to sit together. Be courteous and understanding, and they may be able to shuffle things around to accommodate you.

When Paying Might Be Worth Considering:

While avoiding seat selection fees is generally possible, there are some instances where paying up might be worth considering:

• Traveling with Very Young Children: For peace of mind and ease of access, especially on long flights, securing adjacent seats for yourself and your young children is often worth the extra cost.

• Specific Seating Requirements: If you have specific needs due to medical conditions, mobility issues, or a preference for a window or aisle seat, paying to guarantee your desired spot can be beneficial.

• Peak Travel Times: During peak travel seasons, like holidays or school breaks, flights are more likely to be fully booked, increasing the chances of being separated if you don’t pay for seat selection.

The Bottom Line:

The decision of whether or not to pay for seat selection ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. While airlines encourage pre-flight seat selection, remember that it’s not always essential. With strategic booking, early check-in, and a little bit of patience, you can often secure adjacent seats without incurring additional costs and save your travel budget for more exciting adventures.