What happens when you don't book a seat?

Consequences of Not Pre-Booking a Seat

When boarding an aircraft, passengers who have not pre-booked their seats enter a realm of uncertainty. Their fate is left in the hands of an automated assignment process, which randomly assigns them to available locations without considering their preferences. This can lead to a number of potential drawbacks, including:

Uncomfortable Seating Arrangements:
Not pre-booking a seat increases the likelihood of being seated in an undesirable location, such as the middle seat, a seat with limited legroom, or a seat near a noisy galley or restroom. These uncomfortable seating arrangements can make the flight experience unpleasant.

Separation from Travel Companions:
Passengers traveling with companions may find themselves separated if they fail to pre-book seats together. This can be especially frustrating for families or groups who wish to sit adjacent to each other for comfort or security reasons.

Limited Choice of Amenities:
Certain seat locations offer desirable amenities, such as extra legroom, in-flight entertainment, or proximity to power outlets. Not pre-booking a seat reduces the chances of accessing these amenities, which can make the flight more inconvenient or less enjoyable.

Window or Aisle Seat Preferences:
Many passengers have personal preferences for either a window or aisle seat. By not pre-booking, passengers may have to accept a seat that does not meet their preference, potentially impacting their comfort or view during the flight.

Additional Fees:
On some airlines, passengers who do not pre-book seats may be required to pay an additional fee for seat selection at the airport or at the gate. This can add unexpected costs to the travel experience.

To avoid these potential consequences, it is highly recommended to pre-book a seat whenever possible. By doing so, passengers can secure their desired seating arrangement, improve their comfort, and enhance their overall flight experience.