Emphatically, no. You will likely get assigned a seat during check-in (though you should still skip it if the airline tries to tack on a fee) or, at the very least, at the gate. Again: You don't have to select a seat in order to get a seat.
People Also Ask
Though it might sound scary, there's one weird trick airlines don't want you to know: You don't have to select a seat. On most airlines, you'll get assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate if you don't already have one. Some airlines make it seem like you must (or at least should) select a seat during checkout.
With Basic Economy, you'll automatically be assigned a seat before boarding, and you won't be able to change your seat once it's assigned. Advance seat assignments may be available for purchase during booking and up until check-in opens.
Passengers are usually assigned a seat before or during check-in. However, in your case you were not assigned a seat at check-in. Probably because you did not click the “select your seat option. Or maybe because the airline still had not assigned an aircraft for your flight.
For a short-haul flight where you are only taking hand luggage, checking in online saves a lot of time and is therefore much better than checking in at the airport. If, on the other hand, you have to check in bulky luggage, it is better to use the classic check-in at the airport for security reasons.
If you choose not to pay to reserve a seat, your seat will be assigned to you free of charge when you check in, between 24 hours and 2 hours prior to departure.
You will likely get assigned a seat during check-in (though you should still skip it if the airline tries to tack on a fee) or, at the very least, at the gate. Again: You don't have to select a seat in order to get a seat.
The most important rule to make sure you all sit together: Book flights and reserve seats early. That's the simplest and cleanest way. Second, list all family members on the same reservation. If someone booked at a different time, link their reservation to yours.
If there are not enough passengers who are willing to give up their seats voluntarily, an airline may deny you a seat on an aircraft based on criteria that it establishes, such as the passenger's check-in time, the fare paid by the passenger, or the passenger's frequent flyer status.
Ryanair says if a person doesn't pay for their seat assignment, they are “randomly” assigned, which may result in them not sitting with their party. But the CAA found that when a passenger flies Ryanair, as compared to other airlines, the likelihood of being separated from their party doubled.
Most airlines allow you to pick a different seat all the way up until boarding begins. So keep refreshing your seat map in the app and watch for an opening. You might be able to switch yourself to a row with an empty middle seat before you board.
Benefits of Online Check-In for FlightsOthers only allow you to choose a seat when you check in. In this case, you want to check in as early as possible so you can snag your preferred seat, whether it's an aisle seat, a window seat. or a seat in that emergency exit row with the extra leg room.