Not every airline lets you pick your seats for free. Budget airlines often charge for seat selection, meaning you have to pay if you want to choose where you sit.
If you skip this paid option, the system will assign seats for you automatically. This can be tricky if you're flying with friends or family because you might end up sitting apart.
Here are some straightforward tips to help you sit together without buying seat selection. These aren't foolproof, but they're worth a shot.
Always buy all the tickets in one go. Whether you're booking online or in person, make sure to do it under one booking number.
When everyone is on the same booking, you'll check in together. Usually, this prompts the airline's system to seat you all together.
However, this depends on how many seats are free at check-in time. If the flight is nearly full, you might still be seated separately.
To find plenty of available seats when you check in, it's best to do it as early as possible, whether online or at the airport.
If your airline offers online check-in, definitely use it. Checking in online helps you beat the rush at the airport, where many seats might already be taken.
You can usually check in online 24 hours before your flight, but some airlines let you do this up to a week in advance. Online check-in typically closes about 3 hours before your flight.
If online check-in isn't available with your airline, make sure to get to the airport early.
For domestic flights, check-in counters usually open 2 hours before departure, and for international flights, they open 3 hours before. Getting there right when the counter opens increases your chances of sitting together.
Another approach is to reach out to the airline directly and ask if they can assign adjoining seats for you. You can either call them or ask at the check-in counter when you arrive at the airport.
Usually, airlines are more likely to accommodate this request for passengers who have specific needs, such as those traveling with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
If all else fails, the most reliable way to ensure you sit together is by purchasing the seat selection option. This service can be added either when you book your ticket or afterward, as long as you haven’t checked in yet.
Buying your seats lets you not only sit together but also pick where you sit—like by the window, near the emergency exits, or close to the bathrooms.
Remember, it's best to select your seats as early as possible. Waiting until close to your flight date might leave you with fewer options because many seats could already be taken.
While these tips can help, keep in mind that some passengers might try to switch seats on the plane to sit together.
However, for safety and security reasons, it’s best not to swap seats unless it’s cleared by the flight crew. Always follow the airline's rules to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
