What happens if you forget to select a seat in a flight after booking?

The Unchosen Seat: What Happens When You Skip Seat Selection?

Booking a flight is often a whirlwind of dates, times, and price comparisons. In the rush to secure your ticket, a seemingly minor detail can be easily overlooked: seat selection. But forgetting to choose your seat can have a surprising impact on your travel experience. What happens if you leave it to chance?

The simple answer is: you’re leaving your seating fate in the hands of the airline. Unlike pre-selecting a seat, which guarantees you a specific spot on the plane, omitting this step means your assignment is entirely at the airline’s discretion. This process typically occurs during check-in, either online or at the airport.

While this might seem insignificant, the consequences can vary widely. The most obvious risk is missing out on your preferred seat type. Do you crave an aisle seat for easy restroom access? Prefer a window seat for a scenic view and a place to rest your head? Or perhaps you need extra legroom for comfort? Forgetting to select your seat significantly diminishes your chances of getting any of these. The algorithm used by airlines to assign seats often prioritizes filling the plane efficiently, leaving less desirable seats for those who haven’t pre-selected.

Beyond seat type, the lack of pre-selection also impacts proximity to travel companions. If you’re flying with family or friends, failing to choose seats together means you risk being separated. Imagine the inconvenience of navigating a crowded cabin to find each other or relying on the airline’s willingness (and ability) to accommodate your request for adjacent seating after the fact. This can be particularly problematic for families with young children or those needing assistance.

While some airlines might offer free seat selection up to a certain point before departure, many now charge fees for selecting specific seats, particularly those considered desirable. Therefore, skipping the seat selection at booking might seem like a way to save money upfront, but this apparent saving could be outweighed by the potential discomfort or inconvenience of a less-than-ideal seat assignment.

In short, while forgetting to select a seat might not derail your entire trip, it significantly increases the chance of an less enjoyable flight. For a smoother, more comfortable journey, taking a few extra minutes to choose your seat during the booking process is a small investment with potentially significant returns. The peace of mind of knowing where you’ll be sitting is often worth more than a few extra clicks.