What happens if you don't pay for seats on a flight?

Consequences of Not Pre-Purchasing Seats on a Flight

When booking a flight, passengers can often choose to pay extra to select their preferred seats. However, what happens if you don’t opt for this convenience and instead leave your seat assignment to the whims of the check-in process?

Assigned Seat at Check-In

If you do not pre-purchase a seat, you will be assigned one at check-in. This seat will typically be a randomly assigned, unclaimed seat. As a result, you may not have a choice of seat location, window or aisle preference, or proximity to desired amenities like extra legroom or power outlets.

Potential Inconveniences

Not pre-purchasing a seat can lead to several potential inconveniences, including:

• Middle seat assignment: You may be assigned a middle seat, which can be uncomfortable for extended periods.
• Unfavorable locations: You could be seated near a noisy lavatory, a crying baby, or an unruly passenger.
• Separation from companions: If you are traveling with companions, you may not be seated together.

Avoidance Measures

To avoid the potential drawbacks of not pre-purchasing a seat, consider the following measures:

• Pre-purchase a seat: Pay the extra fee to select your preferred seat during booking. This ensures you have a comfortable and convenient seat assignment.
• Check in early: Arriving at the airport early gives you a better chance of securing a more favorable seat, as many good seats may already be claimed by passengers who pre-purchased theirs.
• Be prepared for flexibility: If you are willing to be flexible with your seat location, you can request a seat assignment closer to your preferred area at check-in.

In conclusion, while not pre-purchasing a seat may save you a few dollars, it can come with potential inconveniences such as getting an assigned, unclaimed seat with an unfavorable location. If you value comfort and convenience during your flight, consider pre-purchasing your seat to secure your preferred seat assignment.