Choosing your seat at check-in If you haven't already chosen your seat, you can do so when you check in, from 24 hours before departure. This is free except on Basic (hand baggage only) fares, although your choice may be limited and a fee may still apply to exit row seats on long haul flights.

On British Airways in 2026, seat selection is generally not free at the time of booking unless you are traveling in First Class or have high-tier "Executive Club" status (Silver or Gold). For most passengers in World Traveller (Economy) or Club World (Business), you must pay a fee to reserve a specific seat in advance. However, there are several "free" windows: all passengers (except those on "Basic" hand-baggage-only fares) can choose their seats for free 24 hours before departure when online check-in opens. If you have Bronze status, you can choose your seat for free starting 7 days before departure. For families, British Airways has a policy to ensure children under 12 are seated with an adult at no extra cost, but the specific seats are often assigned by the airline a few days before the flight rather than chosen by the parents. If you are on a "Basic" fare, the system will automatically allocate you a seat, and you must pay a fee if you wish to change it at any point. This "pay-to-play" model is a core part of their revenue strategy, so travelers seeking the best "extra legroom" seats should expect to pay upwards of £50 or more.

The answer depends on your fare type, route, and when you choose your seat.

Here’s a breakdown of British Airways’ seat selection policy:

1. For Short-Haul & Domestic Flights (within Europe/UK)

• Basic (Hand Baggage Only) Fare: Seat selection is NOT free. You must pay a fee to choose a specific seat in advance. Otherwise, a seat will be randomly assigned to you for free at check-in.
• Standard, Plus, & Flex Fares: You can choose a standard seat for free when you check-in online (from 24 hours before departure). If you want to choose a specific seat earlier than that, there is usually a fee.

2. For Long-Haul Flights (e.g., to the US, Asia, Africa)

• Basic (Economy) Fare: Seat selection is NOT free. You must pay a fee to select a seat in advance. A free random seat is assigned at check-in.
• Standard, Plus, & Flex Fares (Economy): You can choose a standard seat for free at the time of booking. This is a key benefit over the Basic fare.
• Premium Economy, Business, and First Class: Seat selection is always free at the time of booking for all fares in these cabins.

3. Key Exceptions & Important Notes

• Executive Club Members: Silver and Gold members of the BA frequent flyer program get free seat selection for themselves and companions on all flights at the time of booking, regardless of fare type.
• OneWorld Alliance Status: Emerald and Sapp