You never have to pay for a seat — if you skip selection, the airline assigns one free at check-in or the gate. Paying gets you a specific seat in advance: standard seats cost the least, extra-legroom and exit rows the most, while flexible fares often include free selection. When ticketing opens on our site, seat options and prices will be shown with each fare.
The free route
Do nothing and you'll be auto-assigned a seat when you check in. The catch is choice: on a full flight the leftovers are middle seats near the back. Checking in the moment the window opens (typically 24–48 hours before departure) gets you the best of what's free.
The paid tiers
- Standard seats — the cheapest advance pick.
- Preferred seats — nearer the front or windows/aisles, priced a step up.
- Extra legroom and exit rows — the priciest, with eligibility rules for exit rows.
Prices vary widely by airline and route, so compare the fee against what a flexible fare — which often bundles free selection — would cost.
Travelling as a family?
Many airlines seat young children next to at least one accompanying adult without charge, even on basic fares — check the fare's seating policy before paying for the whole row. If it's not guaranteed, selecting seats at booking is the stress-free option.
Adding seats later
Seats can usually be added to an existing booking — manage it from /account or via the airline's site with your PNR. Search live fares now — online ticketing opens shortly — and find more answers in flights help.