Does it cost extra to book a seat on a plane?

The Price of Choice: Do You Really Need to Pay for a Plane Seat?

Booking a flight online can feel like navigating a minefield of add-ons and upgrades. One frequent point of confusion is the option to pay for seat selection. While you can certainly avoid this charge and rely on free seat assignments at the airport, it comes with its own set of potential downsides. So, is paying for a seat worth it? Let’s break it down.

The Pros of Pre-Selecting Your Seat:

• Guaranteeing Togetherness: Traveling with family or friends? Pre-selecting seats ensures you’ll sit together, eliminating the stress of potential separation at the airport.
• Choosing Your Ideal Spot: Some people prefer window seats for the views, while others opt for aisle seats for easier access. Pre-selection allows you to pick your preferred location.
• Avoiding the “Bad” Seats: Certain seats are considered less desirable for various reasons – middle seats, seats near the lavatories, or those with limited legroom. Pre-selection lets you avoid these spots.
• Potentially Saving Time: Pre-selecting your seat can streamline the check-in process, allowing you to skip the airport line and head straight to security.

The Cons of Pre-Selecting Your Seat:

• Added Cost: Paying for a seat selection adds an extra expense to your ticket price. This cost can vary significantly based on the airline, route, and type of seat.
• Potential for Change: Even if you pay for a seat, airlines may still change your assigned seat due to operational reasons. This can happen during the booking process, at the airport, or even after boarding.
• Unnecessary Expense: If you’re traveling solo, don’t mind a little uncertainty, and are happy with any seat, paying for pre-selection may be an unnecessary expense.

The Verdict:

Ultimately, whether or not to pay for seat selection depends on your individual travel needs and preferences. If you value certainty, convenience, and a comfortable flight, pre-selecting your seat might be worthwhile. However, if you’re on a budget and are willing to accept the potential for some surprise, you can safely forgo this option.

Tip: If you’re unsure, consider checking the airline’s policies regarding free seat assignments and compare the costs of pre-selection with the potential benefits. You can also explore online tools that provide information on seat availability and comfort ratings for specific airlines and routes.