Do you get better seats if you check-in late?

NO, check in early to have a better chance of getting assigned a decent seat if you are flying on a ticket that does not let you select your seat ahead of time. If you wait until the last minute you are competing with people that are on the standby list as well.



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Advantages of waiting to check in If you're traveling in basic economy, most airlines don't allow you to choose a seat during check-in for free. If you wait to check in, there is a chance that you will be assigned an extra legroom seat or even bumped up a class if those better seats haven't been assigned already.

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If you're strategically waiting to check in for your flight, do it at least a few hours before your flight leaves to save your flight reservation. Overall, if you're the type of person who wants to save money by refraining from paying for a seat assignment, early check-in is your best bet for a not-awful seat.

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First, check-in closes an hour or two before flight departure; if you're not checked in by then, either through the app, online, or in person at the airport, you may not be able to get a boarding pass to get through security and will likely miss your flight.

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It's recommended to check in as soon as possible, typically 24 hours before your flight, to have the best chance of getting your preferred seat. Airlines usually release unassigned seats and upgrade options during check-in, so the earlier you check in, the better your seat selection will be.

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If you wait until the last minute to check in, you may find that only less desirable seats are available. To increase your chances of getting a better seat, consider the following tips: Check in early: Many airlines allow online check-in 24 hours before the flight.

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Buckle Up! 6 Tips for Getting the Best Seats on a Plane
  1. Choose the Right Window Seat. ...
  2. Remember That the Early Bird Gets the Best Seat. ...
  3. Request an Exit Row Seat. ...
  4. Avoid Action Alley: The Galley and the Bathroom. ...
  5. Consider Being Seated Closer to the Front. ...
  6. Don't be Afraid to Ask for What You Want.


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One disadvantage is certainly that many people have poor time management and arrive too late at the airport if they check in online. For some, this can lead to unwanted time pressure. On the other hand, those who still have to check in at the airport itself usually arrive early enough and are therefore over-punctual.

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Most airlines require you to check in at the specified time (1 or 2 hours) before departure even if the flight is delayed. Their reasoning is that the cause of the delay may suddenly be resolved and the aircraft will ready to depart earlier than expected.

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If the delay is less than an hour, proceed to the airport as planned. For two hours or less, Erika Richter, a spokeswoman for the American Society of Travel Advisors, errs on the side of caution and suggests arriving in time for your previously scheduled departure.

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During the Online check-in, you may confirm the seat number that you have selected, or to select another seat. Please note that seat change is eligible until one hour before the flight departs. Please also be sure to issue a new boarding pass after you have changed seats.

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If you arrive at the airport 15 minutes after the boarding time, it is unlikely that they will allow you to check in and board your flight. Airlines typically require passengers to be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure, so arriving late may mean missing your flight altogether.

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Checking in for a flight early or late comes down to more personal preference than anything else. As long as you check in before the window closes, you'll (most likely) get a seat on the aircraft. But, being strategic, one way or the other, might bag you a better one.

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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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When you're asked by a flight attendant or gate agent to change seats, it's usually to help families sit together, allow caregivers to sit next to patients, or accommodate an air marshal or other airline employee.

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Generally speaking, most airlines will make some kind of efforts to wait for delayed passengers on a connecting flight, though this is not necessarily guaranteed. In some cases, airlines may be able to hold a connecting flight for a period of time, but it is not something that is typically guaranteed by any airline.

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It's typically better to check in online, since you can do so much sooner than you would be able to in person at the airport. As mentioned above, it's especially important to check in early for a Southwest flight, since boarding order is determined by check-in order.

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Other reasons for not being allowed to check-in online can include:
  • Being selected for secondary screening by TSA.
  • Your ticket was issued by a codeshare partner airline and not the airline you're traveling with.
  • Traveling in a large group.


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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.

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The window seats offer the best views and minimal disruptions from your row mates. Ultimately, you'll be the disruptive one when it's your turn to visit the lavatory, but still, the window seat gives you that undisturbed solitude to make it through your flight without interacting.

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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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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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