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Is paying for seat selection fees worth it or not?
Not too long ago, flyers were happy with the seat lottery; waiting until airport check in to be allocated a seat anywhere on the plane, including the dreaded middle seat.
As more travellers figured out, some seats were better than others, and with sites like Seat Guru popping up; airlines realised they could cash in on the trend of traveller’s wanting a better seat. Airline add-on’s (including baggage, seat selection and meals) is now a multi-billion dollar industry.
But how much are traveller’s prepared to pay for an aircraft seat and is it really worth it?
The cost of seat selection varies greatly on the following factors:
- The airline you are travelling with
- If your ticket includes a codeshare flight (flight number is one airline e.g. Qantas (QF), but the operating carrier is another airline e.g. Finnair (AY).
- The fare type you purchased – even some Business Class fares don’t include seat selection!
- The duration of the flight
- The aircraft type
- Your frequent flyer status level
Short domestic flights can charge anywhere from $5 for a regular seat up to $95 for a bulkhead or emergency exit row.
However, it’s important to know, even if you choose a seat and pay the seat selection fee – you may not receive the seat you paid for or selected!
Seat selection fees on International long-haul flights can be hundreds of dollars and several airlines are charging to select a seat in Business Class including Finnair and Qatar.
The aforementioned airlines are offering cheaper Business Class fares without lounge access or seat selection for those less fussed about choosing a seat. However if you want the privilege of selecting a seat, on these lower Business Class fares expect to pay from $150 – $290 on a long-haul flight, depending on the duration.
A flight from Sydney to London on Qatar includes 2 flights:
Flight One – Sydney to Doha
Flight Two – Doha to London
so you’ll need to pay for seat selection on both flights – doubling the seat selection fees!
The crazy thing is, as long as you have a ticket on the plane, you have a seat, so airlines are banking on FOMO or booking anxiety, ‘have I booked the right product?’ and travellers are paying for it.
How to Avoid Seat Selection Fees
The easiest way is to take the seat lottery. You’ll be given a seat at check in and you can always request a Window or Aisle with the check-in staff.
I’ve even had airline staff (albeit from domestic flights) tell me not to bother with paying seat select fees as check in staff have to give you a seat and as long as you’re nice about it, are only happy to oblige with any requests.
Some fare types including flexible fares and higher tier Business or First Class fares generally include seat selection as standard but if that’s not part of your travel plans or budget you can still choose a seat with the following tips.
Sometimes just entering your frequent flyer number is enough to give you free seat selection, especially if you’re a higher tier FF member.
Check in online early and often during check in you can choose a seat – or allow the airline to choose for you. Generally the system will fill the plane from front to back so if there are spare seats up front, and you check in early, you might be allocated those seats.
Also note that emergency exit rows are often not allocated until check in so there’s always a chance you can get an extra legroom seat at check in.
Some travellers prefer choosing or hoping for a seat towards the rear of the plane because often there is a higher chance of having empty seats next to you. Though, the aft of the aircraft is usually bumpier during turbulence.
Some airlines offer promotions including free seat selection so keep an eye out for those offers.
At the end of the day, if you have a ticket for a flight – rest assured, you will get a seat on the plane.
What are your thoughts? Do you pay extra for seat select or play the seat lottery? Do you have a favourite seat or trick? Comment below.
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FAQ’s about Seat Selection
Can I see the seat map for reference when selecting a seat?
Yes, this is how airlines get you to pay more by having a sense of ownership of selecting which seat you sit in.
How can I determine the charge for reserving a specific seat?
Most airlines won’t tell you this information until you’ve bought a ticket (as it can vary by fare type) or are midway through the booking process making it tricky and time consuming. However the longer the flight and the more desirable the seat the higher the cost of seat selection.
Can I change my seat after payment?
Some airlines will allow you to change your seat, however seat selection fees are generally non-refundable so if you move to a seat that has a cheaper or no seat selection fee, it’s unlikely you’ll get a refund.
Is there an additional fee if I change my seat?
If the new seat you select is a higher cost e.g. Front Row or Exit Row, yes additional fees may apply.
I canceled my booking, can I get a refund of my paid seat?
Generally no, seat selection fees are usually non-refundable – however you should reach out to your airline or travel agent to see if your seat selection fees were refundable – depending on the reason for cancellation.
I rebooked my flight, can I still use the same seat I already paid for in the new flight?
Depending on the airline policy, you may need to pay seat selection fees again.
I want to upgrade to a Business Class seat, can I get a refund of my Seat selection fee from my Economy seat?
No, seat selection fees are non-refundable.
My seat is not available during boarding?
Paying a seat selection fee does not guarantee you’ll get that particular seat number. There could be last minute aircraft changes for operational reasons or the cabin crew might shift passengers around for any number of reasons, including weight distribution or safety – thereby nullifying your seat selection. However if this occurs, please be kind and patient to the cabin crew and they will try to relocate you.
My paid seat was changed during the flight, can I get a refund?
No, generally seat selection fees are non-refundable, however if you have evidence provided from cabin crew, you may be able to request a refund from the airline customer service as part of their complaints process.
I have an infant or children, do I have to pay to select a seat for them?
Depending on the airline, most passengers in the same booking will be seated together. If in doubt, always ask at check-in. However if an airline charges seat selection fees during the booking process such as Low Cost Carriers, then generally yes, you will need to pay seat selection fees for children occupying a seat.
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