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Once only the problematic woe of budget airlines, increasingly luxury and business travellers are having to navigate the increasingly complex world of airline seat selection.
So how do you get your preferred seating choice on your next flight, whilst limiting the additional costs?
Here are our travel advisors top tips for securing the ideal aeroplane seat:
- Book a premium seat in first, business class or premium economy which will usually include seat selection. Budget and economy fares more commonly attract higher seat selection fees.
- Always communicate your seat preference to your travel agent or advisor at the time of booking. If you need extra leg room, want the aisle, window, or exit rows, if your agent knows, they can try to lock these in at the time of booking.
- Make sure you’re part of the airline’s loyalty program. Loyal members, especially those with elite status often get priority for complimentary seat upgrades and better airline seating options at the time of booking. Be sure to include your member number and tell it to your travel advisor at the time of booking.
- Select flights outside of peak periods and times if you can. A flight which isn’t full will generally offer the best seat selection opportunities.
- Families and groups wishing to sit together should lock in your seating at the time of booking, which may mean paying to select your seats. Leave it to chance, and it may mean risking being disbursed throughout the cabin.
- Solo travellers if your preferred seat isn’t available, at check-in or at their airline gate, ask politely to see if there have been any cancellations or possibility for seat upgrades
- Check back on your booking regularly, some airlines release additional and prime seats closer to departure dates.
- Put a reminder in your calendar to check in online early. Checking into your flight 24-48 hours beforehand is the best way to lock in your seat if you haven’t paid or pre-selected. Leave it until the last minute, and you run the risk of the only selecting form seats that are left.
While travel agents and travellers can try their best to secure the ideal airline seat, we’re all ultimately at the mercy of the airlines and there may be times where your seat preference is simply not available on the selected route. The type of aircraft each airline assigns to a flight can be subject to change, which may also impact seat configuration and availability.
Booking early and checking in on time always gives you the best chance of securing the ideal airline seat.
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