What happens if you don't pre-book seats?

Flying Without a Pre-Booked Seat: A Seat Assignment Lottery

When planning a flight, many travelers opt for the convenience and peace of mind that comes with pre-booking their seats. While this ensures you have a specific spot on the aircraft, it’s not always necessary. For those who prefer to leave it to chance, flying without a pre-booked seat introduces an element of unpredictability known as the “seat assignment lottery.”

The Process

Upon check-in, whether at the airport or online, passengers without pre-booked seats will be randomly assigned a seat. This means that the location of your seat is entirely up to fate. If you have specific preferences, such as window or aisle, you can request them at check-in. However, the availability of your preferred seat is not guaranteed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lower cost: Pre-booking seats often comes with an additional fee, while randomly assigned seats are typically included in the base fare.
• Flexibility: If your travel plans change and you need to move your seat, it may be easier to do so with a randomly assigned seat.
• Chance of an upgrade: Sometimes, randomly assigned seats may result in an unexpected upgrade, especially if there are empty seats in higher classes.

Cons:

• No guaranteed preference: You may not get your preferred seat, which can be disappointing if you have strong preferences.
• Less choice: With randomly assigned seats, you have less control over your seating location.
• Potential for separation: If you’re traveling with companions, there’s a risk of being separated if you don’t pre-book seats together.

Conclusion

Flying without a pre-booked seat is a gamble that can result in either a satisfactory or less-than-ideal seating experience. If you prioritize flexibility, cost savings, or the possibility of an upgrade, it may be worth taking your chances at the seat assignment lottery. However, if you value guaranteed preferences, choice, or peace of mind, pre-booking your seat is the safer option.