You can always skip seat selection and save the money, but do keep a few things in mind: Skipping seat selection doesn't mean you won't get a seat on the flight. You might get stuck in the middle seat if you don't pay for one.

Yes, you can almost always skip seat selection when booking a flight, and doing so is a common way to avoid extra fees. If you choose not to pay for a specific seat, the airline will automatically assign you one for free, usually when the check-in window opens 24 hours before departure. In 2026, even "Basic Economy" tickets generally allow for a random seat assignment at no cost. However, the grounded "risk" is that you will likely be assigned a middle seat or be separated from your travel companions if the flight is full. A peer-to-peer "pro-tip": some airlines (like Southwest) have transitioned to assigned seating as of 2026, so the old "open seating" scramble is less common. If you aren't picky about where you sit and want to save $20–$50, skipping the selection is a perfectly fine move, as you are still guaranteed a spot on the plane.