What happens if you don't book seats on a plane?

Flying Without Pre-Selected Seats: What to Expect

When booking a flight, passengers have the option of selecting their seats in advance or leaving them unassigned for the airline to automatically allocate. While there are advantages to both options, flying without pre-selected seats comes with its own set of considerations.

Automatic Seat Assignments

If you choose not to pre-book your seats, the airline will assign them during check-in. This process is done by a computerized system that takes into account various factors, including flight capacity, passenger preferences, and group sizes.

Group Seating

While the airline typically prioritizes keeping groups together, there is no guarantee that adjacent seats will be available. If your group is relatively large, it is more likely that some members may be seated in different parts of the cabin.

Seat Availability

The seat you are assigned will depend on the remaining availability at check-in. If the flight is fully booked, you may have limited options and could end up with a less desirable seat, such as a middle seat or one near the lavatories.

Advantages of Pre-Booking Seats

Pre-selecting your seats offers several advantages, including:

• Guaranteed adjacent seats: You can ensure that you and your travel companions will sit together.
• Choice of seat type: You can choose specific seat types, such as aisle seats, window seats, or exit row seats.
• Early check-in: Pre-booking seats allows you to check in earlier and avoid potential queues at the airport.

Disadvantages of Pre-Booking Seats

• Fees: Some airlines charge extra for pre-selecting seats, especially for certain seat types.
• Limited flexibility: If you need to change your flight or seat assignment after booking, you may incur additional fees or find it difficult to obtain your desired seats.
• Risk of overbooking: In the event of an overbooked flight, pre-selected seats may not be guaranteed.

Conclusion

Whether or not to pre-book your seats on a plane is a personal decision. If you value the convenience of guaranteed adjacent seats and specific seat types, pre-booking is a good option. However, if you are comfortable with the possibility of being assigned seats at check-in and want to save money, flying without pre-selected seats may be a suitable choice.