Many airlines urge customers to pay for certain seats in advance or risk being split – but is this really necessary? We took a look…
Choose your airline carefully – and book seats at the same time
It is not a general rule that you will be separated from your traveling companions if you do not pay to reserve the seats you want.
A 2023 survey from Which? Travel found that families paying more than £100 to sit together are likely wasting their money, with most major airlines likely to automatically seat you with the people you booked with, even if you don’t cough up for seat choice.
That means if all your tickets are in one reservation, there’s a decent chance you’ll be fine with most operators – as long as you check in early.
It also depends on the airline, with budget firms Ryanair and Wizz Air most likely to split you (more on Ryanair’s seat booking policy later).
It’s worth saying that there is no legal right to sit next to your loved ones on a flight – not even your children – so not paying comes with a risk.
Arrange seats together with children
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, airlines should aim to place children close to their parents or guardians.
The guidance – which is not a hard and fast rule – says that young children and babies accompanied by adults should ideally sit in the same row of seats, or in an adjacent row if this is not possible.
From the major British airlines British respiratory system And Tui Both guarantee that children under 12 will be seated with at least one adult on their booking, even if they don’t pay or forget to check-in early.
Ray 2 says it will “always try to seat children and infants under 12 next to their accompanying adults”, but if this is not possible they will not be seated more than one row away.
EasyJet Likewise, it says the system will always try to place families together, but if this isn’t possible it will ensure children under 12 sit “close” to an adult on the booking.
Wizz Air says that an adult and a child up to 14 years old will automatically be assigned a seat next to each other during the check-in process.
However, Ryanair applies different rules. We’ve looked at these below…
Ryanair, like many other airlines, offers the option to pay to reserve a seat or be assigned a seat at check-in.
But the system is known for splitting up groups rather than automatically merging them, meaning it’s almost impossible to sit with your travel companions without paying.
Ryanair’s website warns passengers who don’t pay that passengers with free seats are “unlikely” to be with the rest of their group.
If you are traveling with a child on a Ryanair flight, it is mandatory that at least one adult pays for the seat reservation. Seats can then be reserved for a maximum of four children per adult. Other adults in the booking can take a free seat, but as we explained above, they will likely be separated from the rest of their family.
Disabled or elderly passengers receive extra support
People with reduced mobility, disabilities, communication difficulties and the elderly should be entitled to special assistance when traveling.
However, before you fly, you must contact the airline.
Some airlines offer free seat selection
While many airlines have chosen to introduce fees for the luxury of a reserved seat, this is not the case for everyone.
Some airlines offering long-haul travel allow you to select your seat for free as soon as you book.
Qatar Airways (except for Economy Classic customers) and Japanese airlines have this option.
Virgin Atlantic Ocean lets passengers select a seat for free once check-in opens, while British Airways says customers checking a hold bag can select a seat for free at check-in.
Singapore Airlines says economy passengers can pre-select a seat for free or for a fee “depending on the fare type you choose.”
Wait until the last minute?
For more relaxed travelers, here’s a tip: leave check-in until the last minute and try to get a decent seat, even on a budget flight.
Airlines charge higher fees for seats with extra legroom or in a good location, meaning they’ll likely be the ones left as the start time approaches.
Some fliers also recommend boarding the plane last to see if there are better seats available for a last-minute swap.
This is of course a gamble, with no guarantee you won’t be put next to the toilets – and it’s probably best to save for solo travellers, at the risk of couples or groups splitting up.
Ask a fellow passenger to swap
A less “hacky” option is to simply ask another passenger if he or she wants to change seats (as long as you’re on a carrier that allows seat changes).
Your chances? If you just ask them to switch to a worse seat, they’ll probably be low. But if you ask an easygoing passenger to move from the window to the aisle, or if you want to sit with your companion and offer you a slightly better option in exchange, then you might be in luck.
If you are a family and are separated, you can politely explain your situation and see if there are any generous passengers willing to help you. Some airline employees can also help barter for those in need, if their company allows it.
Take advantage of the loyalty program
If you fly frequently or semi-frequently and your favorite airline offers a loyalty program, it’s worth signing up to take advantage of the benefits on offer.
If you collect enough points, you can upgrade your ticket class to an option with free seat selection.