Do airlines make you pay for seats?

What is an airline seat selection fee? A seat selection fee allows you to reserve a seat in your class of service. Each airline ticket comes with a confirmed seat, but if you want to choose your seat location, most domestic airlines will charge an additional fee.



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A seat selection fee allows you to reserve a seat in your class of service. Each airline ticket comes with a confirmed seat, but if you want to choose your seat location, most domestic airlines will charge an additional fee. These extras are not new.

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Just say “no.” Within 24 hours of your departure, the airline will assign you a seat. Pro tip: If you want to avoid paying for a seat assignment, arrive at the airport early. That way, you'll have the pick of the unassigned seats.

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Amenities: The front of the plane usually has more amenities like extra legroom, better food options, and even lay-flat seats, which can significantly increase the ticket price. The seats at the back of the plane typically have fewer amenities, hence the lower cost.

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For all fare classes, except Basic Economy, you will be able to pick your seat or change your seat assignment. If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you're able to purchase a seat assignment during booking and up until check-in opens. Learn more about Basic Economy restrictions.

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Let's break down what this actually means: On most airline basic economy tickets, you won't be able to select your seat ahead of time. Instead, you'll be assigned one at check-in or the gate. So you're not any more likely than any other passenger to get bumped from the flight.

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In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.

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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.

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Upgrade Your Air Travel: 10 Tips to Score a First-Class Seat
  1. Join airline loyalty programs.
  2. Volunteer to be bumped.
  3. Use offers from your credit cards.
  4. Book flights during off-peak times.
  5. Check for available upgrades online.
  6. Consider late flight offers.
  7. Arrive early for check-in.
  8. Bid for an upgrade.


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Joining airline loyalty programs and using co-branded credit cards can often earn you enough miles or points to buy premium seats. One tactic is to buy a coach seat, then use your frequent flyer points to upgrade to first class.

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The following airlines have some seats with widths below 17 inches, making them among the smallest in the industry: Qatar Airways. China Southern. Caribbean Airlines.

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Airline tickets are at some of the highest prices the industry has seen in a while, but $66,000 for a single plane ticket? That's the price of the world's most expensive commercial airplane ticket, a one-way flight on Etihad Airways from New York City/JFK to Abu Dhabi.

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Basic economy fares are cheaper than main cabin. However, you lose out on flexibility for flight changes and/or cancellations, seat selection options and the ability to earn miles at a high rate.

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As an EarlyBird Check-In Customer, you'll have the benefit of an earlier boarding position, a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat, and earlier access to overhead bin storage for your carryon luggage.

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Seat designation
On many aircraft, the rightmost seats have letter designations HJK, skipping the letter I. This is because each seat has a row number followed by letter; letters that may be confused with numbers (I, O, Q, S, or Z) must be avoided, usually for people with dyslexia.

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Some parents assume they will automatically be seated with their kids. Others may end up separated from their families if they are rebooked due to a cancellation. Regardless of the reason, airlines are not legally required to seat families together.

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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.

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