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What is paid seat selection?

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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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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They want to show the lowest fares possible on search results, then upsell you during checkout. This drip-pricing tactic is a pain for passengers. Charging for seat selection is one way airlines try to make a buck at the last minute.

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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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Most airlines (apart from Ryanair) will allocate your seats together once online check-in has opened, often 24 hours before your departure. The key is to make sure that you check in as soon as possible after check-in has opened so as to avoid disappointment and be sat together free of charge.

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Depending on the carrier, changing paid seats after booking may or may not be supported. In particular, some Direct Payment Carriers may not permit changing paid seats after booking, or may have specific requirements for changing seats.

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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.

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You can request a refund online if you paid for seats and you: Cancel your flight, rebook, and pay for seats on your rebooked flight. Cancel your flight within 24 hours and booked at least 7 days before departure.

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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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What are the best seats on a plane?
  • Best seat for a smooth ride: A seat over the wing.
  • Best seat for sleepers: A window seat near the front.
  • Best seat for maximum legroom: An aisle seat in the second exit row.


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In a general admission (also known as open seating or free seating) scheme, each spectator has a ticket. However, the location from which they will watch the event is determined upon arrival at the venue.

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Checking-in online allows you to check in for your flight earlier than if you waited until you got to the airport, which means there will be more seats available to choose from.

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Southwest Airlines is the one airline on this list that does not assign seats in advance, so you cannot purchase a specific seat assignment ahead of time. With Southwest's open seating policy, you will be assigned a boarding group (A, B or C) and a position within that boarding group (1 through 60-plus) at check-in.

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